I know, it’s become a trite theological word! But I’m coming to believe that it’s also the key concept in Christianity. Somewhere I read that C. S. Lewis considered “grace” or “forgiveness” to be the single most important contribution of Christianity to the world, and that which sets Christianity apart from other religions. And for good reason. Jesus’ teachings and practice of grace were (and continues to be) a radical departure from the way of the world.

Too bad that a religion founded on the notion of grace, as expressed through its founder, could have grown so far from its practice. Philip Yancey, in his book, What’s So Amazing About Grace?, laments that the Christian church is often more likely to practice UNGRACE rather than grace! Why is that?

While Jesus taught his followers to “forgive 70 times 7,” we find it difficult to forgive even once? While Jesus taught us to “forgive (love) your enemies,” we have trouble forgiving our children and spouses and parents and best friends. While Jesus died with grace on his tongue, “Father, forgive them,” we often carry intolerance and even hatred in our hearts.

I’m trying to learn the demands of real grace. Things like . . .

Acceptance - even when I don’t like who the other is or what they stand for.

Tolerance - especially when my views are at the polar extreme from another’s.

Love - yes, even of my enemies. (By “enemy” I don’t just mean the people thousands of miles away, actually the enemies of my government. That can be hard enough. I mean my straw enemies, too—the people I take pot-shots at behind their backs.)

Forgiveness - here I’m talking about those who’ve actually done me harm, either unintentionally and/or especially intentionally. Yancey says, “The only thing harder than forgiveness is the alternative.” I’m still pondering that one.

Grace ain’t easy! It doesn’t come naturally. That’s why I have to keep working at it. But here’s the thing that keeps coming back to me: Every experience of grace feels more and more like God to me. And every experience of God feels more and more like grace. And it feels good!

Perhaps that’s what Jesus had in mind for the world when he said, “God is near; believe the good news!”