But for the Grace of God . . .

Posted on June 27, 2007
Filed Under Grace |

For the past few days I’ve been following the story of the pregnant woman, Jesse Davis, who was killed, and her boyfriend and father of her children who is being accused of her murder. The story is very sad and I find myself feeling deep compassion for everyone involved. Most of the stories regarding the case are very sensational and create much speculation around the participants and the families. However there was one story that hasn’t received much air time that I found particular heart opening.

Bobby Cutts Jr.’s, the man who is accused of killing the young woman and her unborn child, father spoke asking for prayer for his family and everyone involved. He said his family is having a difficult time and needs prayer desperately. From this a neighbor extended herself and mowed and cleaned Bobby Cutts’ yard. I thought this was a huge act of compassion, and wondered if I could be so loving and compassionate under such difficult and painful circumstances. She said she was looking for a way to extend the grace of God and mowing the lawn felt like the thing to do. What a powerful and unconditionally loving woman. When the media is painting this man to be a monster and a criminal, a woman extends love to him and his family. This is what the old spiritual hymn Amazing Grace referred to.

This woman’s choice really opened my heart. I believe this is what love in action looks like. What is it that allows someone to show love in the face of such horrific actions and behavior. I know I’d want someone to extend love to me if I commented an act so heinous my humanity was no longer visible. I’m reminded of the time Jesus faced the mob about the stone the woman and he asked “If any one be without sin, cast the first stone”. No one did. As I write this, I’m thinking does ‘sin’ include murdering a mother and her unborn child? Or does it include killing over 30 innocent unarmed students attending college classes? Something in me wants to categorize what grace should cover and what it should not.

I have committed what some may consider unforgivable acts . . . I myself have even considered them unforgivable, and still grace has been extended to me. I have stolen, had abortions, lied and so much more. And each time someone, like the woman who mowed the lawn, showed up and extended love in my direction. Someone offered me an ear, a shoulder, a second chance, over and over again.

There but for the grace of God go I? I could be any of those people who maliciously or unconsciously did harm to themselves or others. I’m not certain why I was not arrested for shoplifting when my girlfriend was. I can’t explain why I wasn’t rendered infertile after having several abortions as a teenager. I don’t understand why my grandmother still loved me after catching me in a lie after another. It’s possible it all occurred as it did for this moment now, when I’d see myself in Bobby Cutts Jr. and cast blessings and prayers in his direction and not stones. In this moment I realize our sins, our mistakes bear great power to connect us rather than separate us. Seeing ourselves in others creates in us a larger container for God’s love and the expression of it.
Think back in your life and consider the grace extended to you and, like me, you may find countless events. And, like me, you may also be humbled and filled with gratitude. Ask yourself why you made it out. Now ask how can you extend the same grace offered to you to someone else in need. There but for the grace of God, we all go . . .

2 Corinthians 13:14
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Peace and Blessings,

Monique Ruffin-James