We learn to speak by hearing words. We start to sing by sharing song. Faith grows when people show their faith in us.
When we are loved, we start to learn what love is—and so begin to love. When grace is given us by those we’ve wounded or offended, we begin to grasp God’s greater grace. When we’re forgiven freely—with no chiding and no shaming—we start to believe that there is finally a full forgiveness from the Father for all who will accept it. “In this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 Jn 4:10).
There may be souls for whom the Word of God illuminates a shining and eternal truth, unaided by another. But for most of us, we learn the virtues of the new life from the sacred companions who share the journey with us. They love us without possessing us; they forgive us with no grudges.
Jesus prizes such believers: “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:35).
Thank God for those who share His grace with us.
Now stay in it.
—Bill Knott