You Can Take It, But Can You Dish It Out??

"For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required."  Luke 12:48 (NKJV)

So, did you read my title and think that I've got it backwards???  Yes, I did take some liberty with that cliche.  However, it must be turned around to make the point that God is pressing into me...somewhat painfully, I might add.  You know how He is the potter and we are the clay?  Well I feel like He is turning me every which way but loose today!

There are many things that are easy to "take" from God. We gladly accept His love...obliviously, at times, not realizing just how lavish His love is.  We accept His forgiveness...even when we flippantly utter "forgive me of my sin"...often forgetting the price that was paid.  We expect God to be patient with us...to wait until we're ready to accept Him, to listen to Him, to make time for Him, or to obey Him.  We enjoy the benefits of grace...unmerited favor.  We are accepted, loved, forgiven, and even favored by the God of the universe.  Ponder that a minute.  Astounding, don't you think? 

"Amazing Grace...how sweet the sound...that saved a wretch like me."

I am so unworthy.  I don't deserve His love...His forgiveness...His patience...and surely not His favor.  I've neglected Him, at times even walked away from Him.  I've disobeyed Him and sinned against Him.  I've questioned Him and been impatient with Him.  Yet, He shows me mercy and grace...and I "take" it.

But can I dish it out?  I must confess before Him...and to you, that I'm struggling.  Showing love, forgiveness, patience, and grace sometimes seems beyond my realm of capability.  But I must keep reminding myself that it is not beyond His...and that "to whom much is given...much is required."

Lord, I know that in my weakness You are strong.  I'm bowing at Your feet, asking forgiveness, and yielding to you.  Work in my heart.  Transform me.  Thank you for Your grace.  Help me to not only take it, but to give it.  I want to be like You.  Mold me and make me.