If you spend any time in our home, you will undoubtedly hear the phrase, “That’s not fair!” uttered by our children. And, if I’m honest, it’s a phrase you would often hear echoed in my heart as well. We all feel this way at times, because it’s true--life isn’t fair. And, this truth can often make us angry, frustrated, or bitter. I mean, wouldn’t it be better if everything was equal, fair, and just?
But, recently, I was listening to the song “Be My Escape” by Relient K, and one of the lines struck me—"The beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair.” Wait, did they just say the “beauty” is that life’s not fair? Didn’t they mean, the “bummer” is that life’s not fair? Nope.They said “beauty,” and they were right.
You see, the Bible says we have all sinned and turned away from God.And, His law is clear that the punishment for this is death--separation from God and His goodness for eternity.Thus, the only way for God to be completely fair and just is to adhere to the law He has written and administer the required punishment when it is broken. But, thankfully, God is not only perfectly just, He is also rich in mercy and abounding in steadfast love.So, instead of giving us the punishment we deserve, He chose to suffer the punishment in our stead.Jesus, God in the flesh, the only one who was perfect, guiltless, and wholly undeserving of the punishment, chose to bear the unfairness and die in our place.“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). How amazing and wonderful is that?!?!
In light of this, I have a new response to the phrase “That’s not fair,” and that is, “PRAISE GOD!” How thankful I am that the Lord showed mercy to me. He didn’t give me what I rightly and fairly deserved, but rather He took on the punishment so justice could be accomplished. And, He bestowed upon me grace upon grace so I could be set unfairly free. Indeed, the beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair…Hallelujah!
By Katie Miller
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