That’s my baby girl! How do you say “no” to that face? How do you say “no” to that smile? I mean, really? There’s just one problem – I know too much. I know too much about electrical outlets, knives, poisonous liquids, toilets, stairs, etc (you get the picture, our houses are death traps – aaahhhhh).

I’m sure God feels the same way about us sometimes too. We are just so cute, that He just wants to say “yes” all the time, to every request. There’s just one problem – God knows too much. He knows too much about addiction, useless thinking, hurtful words, Satan, anxiety, etc (you get the picture, our world is full of soul traps, that will suck the life out of us). That’s where God’s grace comes in . . .

“His grace teaches us to say “No” to godless ways and sinful desires, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope— the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13)

Wait a second Pastor, I thought grace was God saying yes. It is, kind of. It’s God saying yes to self-control, right living, godliness, patience and blessed hope (there is a hope in Him that can only bless – so good)! There is no room for that unless we understand this . . .

• A well placed “no” leaves room for the more beautiful “yes.”

Saying no to godless ways and sinful desires, creates margin for the beauty and passion of the “yes” that God desires! This reminds me of the real definition of grace (hint: it’s not unmerited favor): Grace is the empowering presence of God to become what God sees when He looks at us.

God sees so many beautiful “Yes’s” for you. Sometimes you just need to wade through a couple “No’s” to get there. Think about that the next time you save a baby from falling down a staircase – that’s what God’s doing for you. That’s grace.