Red Letters/Black Letters: Day 65: Selfish Grace

"He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; 

and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much." Luke 16:10

There is a grace that we show that is for the good of those shown grace. There is also a grace that we show that is for the good of ourselves. The first is real grace, the latter - selfish grace. It is the latter grace that the steward in this parable shows. He knows he has done wrong to hs master, much like the prodigal son did to his father. Unlike the son though, the steward does not come to his master humbly, asking for grace. He, instead, goes to those who owe the master and reduces their debt.

This grace, which at the same time is a new sin against the master, is done to ingratiate the steward to the debtors. In essence the steward hopes to transfer the debt, the men will now be indebted to the master for the remainder and will also be indebted to the steward for the amount forgiven. This is done in the hope that when the steward is thrown out of his master's house he will be able to rely on the kindness of these men for food and shelter.

If we follow Jesus, as we claim to, we must always be on watch that the grace we show is not for similar selfish ends.

+ Have you ever shown selfish grace?

+ To who? how recently? have you asked for forgiveness?