Just the ticket

WHEN a police officer stopped a woman because her young daughter was riding in a car without her required booster seat, he could have written her a ticket for a traffic violation. Instead, he asked the mother and daughter to meet him at a nearby store where he personally paid for the needed car seat. The mother was going through a difficult time and could not afford to buy a seat.

Although the woman should have received a fine for her misdemeanor, she walked away with a gift instead. Anyone who knows Christ has experienced something similar. All of us deserved a penalty for breaking God’s laws (ECCL. 7:20) Yet, because of Jesus, we experienced undeserved favor from God. This favor excuses us from the ultimate consequence for our sin, which is death and eternal separation form God (Rom. 6:L23). “In [Jesus] we have… the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (EPH. 1:7).

Some refer to grace as “love in action.” When the young mother experienced this, she later remarked, “I will be forever grateful!... And as soon as I can afford it I will be paying it forward.” This grateful and big-hearted response to the officer’s gift is an inspiring example for those of s who have received the gift of God’s grace! — Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Dear Father, thank You for giving us what we don’t deserve. You have forgiven my sins and provided a way for me to be reconciled to You through the gift of Your Son. Help me to always be grateful for Your grace. God gift is grace.

©2017 ODB Ministries, 3000, Kraft Ave., SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555-0001, USA. Used by permission. For this and other materials contact ODB Ministries at 322 P. Guevarra, San Juan City (Phils.); Tel.: 722-2010.