Grace Purifies a Heart

I've noticed that during the holidays, the evening news broadcasts have a tendency to show more stories that center around people reaching out and helping others in some way. One story that gathered a lot of media time was the police officer who bought a homeless man a pair of shoes on a freezing night so he would be a little warmer instead of being barefoot. This was a story that touched a nation and these are the kinds of stories that the news shows broadcast during the holidays.

I've noticed that when I watch these reports my eyes usually tear up, and I have been meditating on why is this my reaction, and the spirit has laid some thoughts on my heart as a result. What follows that I will share are words speaking only of myself.

First, I believe I tear up because I recognize that this is the way the world should be, yet that gesture is not the norm, it is the exception. The gesture by the officer is exactly what I and all of us should do when we see a fellow brother or sister in need. Yet, I know that in the end our generation will most probably not be defined as a people who reached out to touch those who are in need. We will most likely be know as a generation who lived in our excess and did not learn how to share from our abundance.

Second, and most important I tear up because I must be truthful and admit that in my heart I'm not sure I would have responded as the officer did, and by admitting that I realize I am nothing like my Father and that saddens me deeply. So how can that be if I am a child of grace? Here is my conclusion, I need to let my Father's grace purify my heart and then out of my purity I will look at my brothers and sisters as my Father does and I will minister to them. A heart purified through grace will sing of a Father's love and will do acts of thanksgiving and privilege that he uses me.