Fall 2002
Blessings or Grace
Larry Sweney

“And we know that all things work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are the called according to His
purpose.” Rom 8:28.

A short time ago, my wife became quite upset and angry with God. She learned that one of her close friends had purchased a large new home. This friend had been a very fervent follower of Jesus, but moved away from the Lord, and is very active in the affairs of the world.

My wife told me that it seemed as if the Lord only blesses those who are in the world, but not those who walk faithfully with Him. I said nothing at the time, but after several days, the Lord revealed something clearly within my spirit.

I was shown that my wife’s friend has experienced God’s grace, but not His blessing.

Deuteronomy chapter twenty eight tells us that when we observe to do His commandments, His blessings will overtake us, but the Lord’s grace, or His un-merited favor, is there for us when we fail, or come short of His commandments. Thank God for this.

As the Lord opened our eyes to see the difference between the Lord’s grace and His blessings, my wife, whose heart is tender towards the Lord, repented and asked for, and received forgiveness.

Her friend, with the nice house, experienced some very serious problems with the property (things are not always as they seem). My wife had an opportunity to pray with and encourage her friend, through some very difficult times. Also, we had opportunity to physically repair and replace some things in her house.

This experience helped us to see people as the Lord sees them, and to respond with His love, which is shed abroad in our hearts.