Currently reading through my manuscript, Christmas Grace, I find myself pelleted with questions behind my own reasoning, bringing this inspirational romance to life. Main character Grace, like many of us, made a mistake. She slipped when she should have stood. Gave in to temptations when her moral compass pointed the other way. Her path might not be yours or mine, but we have all taken the wrong one from time to time.

As Christians we must always keep in mind that the spirit of God is with us, around us, within us. When we turn to Him, His grace is given. That unmerited divine assistance washes over. We do our best never to repeat said sin, but like the story of Grace sitting before me, we sometimes forget that being Christlike, we must offer grace too.

To many a lonely soul has been swallowed up by the judgements of others.  Reflecting on my own deeds and actions I have been found also guilty. I took responsibility lain on my shoulders since the day I was dipped in that cold water and resurface anew. Accepted the call to help others who have not submitted to God, accepted his love. The wayward, lost, or simply unaware. Just a few chapters into Grace’s story, I found myself taken back. Grace’s plight, her family and community, touched me more as a reader than I realized it had putting the words down. (How amazing, God can will our pen for his greater good?)

Have I turned a blind eye to my brothers and sisters in Christ when they also needed me? As God offers us His grace, we too should offer that same curtesy, compassion in our own acts of kindness. A listening ear can do surprising things to the one speaking. A word of encouragement can lift a spirit weighed down with burden. We face temptations in this fast-changing world and the business of gathering more sheep to your flock does not a lick of good if the flock can’t hold together.

Check on your neighbor, they may need you.