August 22 – Flow of Grace
Grace is just the natural loving flow of things when we allow it, instead of resisting it. Richard Rohr
Gregg’s Reflection
I once drew a simple sketch for a coaching client: a pipe with water flowing through it. One end was connected to God’s infinite love, the other open to the world. When either end is blocked, the flow of grace stops.
This is how grace works. We cannot pour out love unless we first allow ourselves to be loved. And we cannot fully receive love until we are willing to let it pass through us toward others. Grace flows only when the circuit is complete.
I am learning that my role is not to manufacture grace but to remain open — open to God’s love flowing in, and open to that love flowing out. That is where the power of grace is found. It is much easier to go with the flow than to resist it.
Scripture
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
Ancient Quotes
The man who is wise, therefore, will see his life as more like a reservoir than a channel. The channel simultaneously pours out what it receives; the reservoir waits until it is filled before overflowing, and thus without loss to itself it shares its superabundant water.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Sermon 18 on the Song of Songs
Modern Quotes
Grace is just the natural loving flow of things when we allow it, instead of resisting it. Sin is any cutting or limiting of that circuit.
Richard Rohr, The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See
Faith does not need to push the river because faith is able to trust that there is a river, the river is flowing, and we are in it.
Richard Rohr, CAC Morning Devo, 4/4/16
Journaling Prompts
- Where have you experienced God’s grace flowing into your life recently?
- Are there ways you may be blocking the flow of grace outward toward others?
- How might you live today with both ends of the pipe wide open?
Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 34 Reflection: Power of God/Power of Grace