The old proverb reminds us, “Some things must be seen to be believed.”

And so it often is with grace: we can’t believe in something so miraculous—so unexpected, undeserved—even though God’s Word repeatedly declares it: “By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Eph 2;8).

Until we see grace in the flesh—in someone near enough to care—we wonder if such kindness is just rich, warm-hearted myth. The one we thought an enemy who doesn’t reach for his revenge; the friend who quietly forgives our rudeness or our thoughtlessness; the colleague who works overnight to make up for our lack—each gives us just a glimpse of that unbounded and eternal grace that always seeks our flourishing. God sifts His goodness into every day through those who love has changed.

We learn grace from gracious people. In unsung, unexpected ways, they live the kindness in the heart of God.

Live warmly, joyfully yourself. You’ll be the grace some other seeker needs.

And stay in it. -Bill Knott