URC 2/15/2012: Practice Grace



I yelled at a fifty-something year old lady on Saturday. I screamed at her on top of my lungs. And no, it was not my mom. Before you judge me, please let me tell you a bit more.

Indeed, I was ANGRY. Oh how pissed off I was! I don’t remember being that mad for a long time. I was upset because I felt like this person was using me and my family in order to cover up for her own mistake.

Reflecting back, I realize that specifically, it was frustration. I was frustrated that this person did not understand my point and kept on trying to convince me to cover for her. I knew I didn’t want to continue talking to her, but she didn’t want to budge. So I yelled. It was the only way that I knew at that time would get me off the phone.

Yesterday, I talked to the person and sincerely and repeatedly apologized. I still believe that I have done right honoring my family. But I was hugely mistaken in yelling. In fact, she didn’t raise her voice at me, not even once. This makes me a big jerk. I felt guilty.

But I never felt guilty for getting angry or frustrated. I felt guilty for carrying that anger out by yelling at a person who was in a position of weakness (I have much more power that her within the context of the community to which the two of us belong).

Church, I’m not trying to defend myself. I was clearly wrong for yelling. But I want you to know that it is ok to be angry. Often, many Christians think that they are somehow unholy or bad people because they get angry. That they have failed to embody the Gospel because they were mad at something or someone. I hereby boldly claim to you that such thought is the attack of the devil, our enemy.

Jesus was angry at times. He called people snakes; in fact sons of snakes (think SOB in our terms)! Jesus even cleaned up the Temple in manner that is clearly angry. At the same time, Jesus was always meek, gentle, and kind to those who are weak. How can we reconcile all of these?

I invite you to place yourself in the position of the other person when you are angry. Think, is this person somebody who is marginalized in our community? If yes, give grace. Jesus came for the sick and the needy. We, as followers of this God, ought to model the same attitude.

So be angry, my brothers and sisters. But let’s practice together how to give grace to those who are marginalized. God could have carried out anger against our sins. But God knew we were in need. So God gave grace, the expensive grace that place Jesus on the cross. Let that be the inspiration for you this week, as you remember to practice grace.

• Thank you for everyone who served and participated at the Annual Valentine’s Day Feast!!
• Please continue to pray for your February MPRs; those who have not done theirs can drop them off in the box in our room (prayer sheet are there also)
• Elementary Ministry teachers, you are requested to go at 11:15…sorry that our worship has been ending later
• Small Group Leaders Meeting has been postponed to 2/26 (Sun)
• Ash Wednesday Prayer Service: 2/22 (Wed) @ 8pm…please think what you would like to fast during Lent