Grace gives you freedom to start over.

Grace gives you freedom to start over.

Some conversations, some days, some seasons, some years, we just plain lose.

Grace gives us permission not to be defined by past moments.

Grace is a get out of jail free card. Grace relieves pressure. Grace rejuvenates. Grace gives hope. Grace steadies the ship, let’s us know everything is okay.

Easter is grace.

Peter was highly emotional. If he was passionately behind something, you knew it. And, he was passionately behind his friend, Jesus. Through thick and thin, Peter said he was willing to defend, even die, for him.

The night of the arrest, his emotions got the best of him.

As his best friend was being beaten and ridiculed by the mob, Peter watched. When the people pointed to Peter saying that he was a friend of Jesus, the emotions came out. He vehemently denied ever knowing him. Three times, he refused the one that he was loyal to. Nothing cuts quite like breaking the bond of loyalty.

In the middle of the chaos was an incredible picture of grace.

As the angry mob carried Jesus across the crowded courtyard, Jesus’ eyes connected with Peter’s eyes. Jesus saw the one who denied him. The look was not one of condemnation, but Jesus gave a look of complete forgiveness to his friend. And, Peter couldn’t handle the depth of forgiveness. He ran away crying.

On Easter morning, when the crowd was gone and the miracle had happened, one of the first people that Jesus wanted to know about the resurrection was Peter. He wanted Peter to receive the message of grace. It is okay. Don’t worry about what you did to me a couple of days ago. All is well. And, Peter’s remaining days were spent tellling the story.

Perhaps there is no stronger, more freeing action than grace. Grace erases the past.

As we reflect on Easter, let grace consume you.

The most difficult person to forgive is yourself. The One in the courtyard has already done that for you. Give yourself grace.

And, there is a world that needs grace from you. Families, friends, spouses, co-workers all need the grace that only you can provide. Let a spirit of grace run through your veins this Easter, a time for new beginnings.

You, alone, have the power to heal relationships through grace.

Grace does indeed give you freedom to start over. Take the opportunity.

Impact others. Live generously.