When life doesn’t go as planned and we make mistakes that turn everything upside down, we cling to the mercy of God. His grace picks us up, steadies our steps, and lovingly sets us back on track. It’s humbling. It’s healing. And sometimes—it feels scandalous.

Grace: The Other Side of Love

In my devotional last week, How to Love Like Jesus in a Judgmental World, I shared how hard it can be to love others when criticism and division seem to rule the day. But love alone isn’t the full picture—we also need grace. The kind of grace that defies logic. The kind that shocks people.

Yes, grace can seem preposterous—something given when it’s not deserved. We wrestle with receiving it, let alone giving it. Especially when we’re still dealing with the consequences of our past.

My Story of Scandalous Grace

After having a child outside of marriage, I carried embarrassment—even as the world seemed to normalize it. Later, when I met Chris, I thought friendship was all that could come of it. After all, I came with baggage. Figuratively… and literally.

But Chris didn’t see me as damaged or disqualified. He welcomed Matt. He welcomed me. It was a picture of God’s grace—on earth. The kind of grace that doesn’t ask for a résumé or perfection.

It didn’t erase the past, but it wove it into something beautiful.

That’s why I named this blog Crafted by His Grace. Because grace isn’t just a one-time gift; it’s the ongoing thread of our lives. Even now in midlife, I’m still learning—still receiving—still trying to offer that same grace to others in a world that often withholds it.

Grace in a Harsh World

The apostle Paul echoed Jesus’ radical message of grace in his letter to the Romans:

“Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other… Never pay back evil with more evil… Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” —Romans 12:14–18 (NLT)

This is how we offer scandalous grace in a world bent on retaliation. It’s not easy—but it’s possible when we remember how deeply we’ve been loved ourselves.

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Journaling Prompts:

• Is there someone in your life who needs grace today—even if they don’t deserve it? Ask God for the strength to extend it.
• Are you still struggling to receive grace for something in your past? Bring it to the Lord in prayer. His grace still covers it.
• Journal this prompt: How has grace—scandalous, unexpected grace—shown up in your life? How can you reflect that same grace today?

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