"The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost." Revelation 22:17 NAS95.

This week I have been sharing the three main aspects that make up the quality of grace. The first is that it is a "gift," given freely, with no strings attached or motive to be repaid. The second is that it is a "love" that is expressed when we are unlovely and selfish. The third is that it is a "welcoming" that brings us near even though we may be or feel unworthy.

Today let's look at grace as "welcome." Jesus is an includer. While He walked the earth He included unlikely men and women to be part of His mission. Fisherman, tax-collectors, prostitutes, people of questionable reputation were all given the grace of welcome to join in with the transforming life of the Kingdom. The woman caught in adultery, the woman at the well, Zaccheus and the apostle Peter were all able to come near to Jesus without shame and condemnation.

The grace we have experienced is the grace that understands we have fallen, are not perfect and have not met even our own standards for ourselves. He welcomes us anyway. This grace of Jesus not only forgives and releases us from our past right up to the moment of your reading this, but takes none of it into account as sees you. Therefore there is nothing to keep you away from the full embrace of His life and care.

So what does this mean for us? We can come freely to Jesus now and relate to Him in the present. We can also forgive and open our hearts to others without regard to their past.

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 NAS95.

Be free in the grace of God today. His grace bring you to Him. His grace opens our hearts to others. Let's practice it today.