Giving Grace As God Does

by Heather Tietz

But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you.

Matthew 5:44

In 2003 the Chicago Cubs were on the cusp of going to the World Series with a chance to win it all after almost 100 years. With only five outs between the Cubs and the coveted National League Championship, a fly ball was hit into left field. As the left fielder stood underneath to make the catch, a fan named Steve Bartman reached out and knocked it into the stands. Moments later the Cubs’ lead disappeared and Cub fans entered the winter without the coveted prize. Bartman was blamed. He hid from the public eye. But then, in 2016, his beloved team won the World Series. The season ended. Cubs’ management presented him with the greatest gesture of grace baseball has ever seen, a personalized World Series ring.

Aren’t we all a bit like Bartman, putting our hands, our eyes, our minds where they don’t belong? We seek out treasure for ourselves through tunnel vision, unaware of how it is hurting others. We all need grace. And we need to give it to those around us.

Thank God we don’t have to hide from Him, no matter our sin. No need to wait a decade or a lifetime for forgiveness; He gives it the moment we repent. If we are His child, if we share His spiritual genetics, then we can’t have a Bartman in our life either. We’ve got to forgive as God forgives. Extend some grace today.