GRACE

I have given much thought recently to the topic of grace. I feel that it is perhaps the most under appreciated and perhaps more appropriately, misunderstood doctrine of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This morning, I studied the topic in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ and found some remarkable and significant teachings regarding this subject. As grateful as I am for revelation received and knowledge ascertained during this time of intent study, I am significantly more grateful for a subsequent experience, which though seemingly insignificant, was in fact a blessing from the Lord in teaching me more about grace than I ever could have learned by reading words on paper alone.
I was late to campus as usual and had little time before University Chorale, a class whose grade is completely contingent on attendance, to grab some lunch. I was standing in the line at Tomassito's when I noticed in front of me a boy who was physically handicapped, yet seemed to posess all other faculties aside from the use of his body. I watched him as he struggled to communicate what it was he wanted, and then, in humiliation grabbed his tray only to spill his food. I was moved by his intent perseverance. My heart was touched as I witnessed this young man, inwardly capable of so much, struggle to make his body work. Despite his very best effort, the task at hand was simply too much for him to complete alone.
Moved by his sincere, yet failing effort, I volunteered to carry his tray for him. I grabbed a fork for him and carried his tray to where he would sit. He expressed gratitude for the help rendered, yet I had greater reason to be grateful in expression of how he had helped me. I felt as if I were walking on sacred ground as I said goodbye to my new friend.
I do not share this story to bring undue attention to myself, for I merely did what ought to have been done. I share it to point to Him who is greatest of all, the Savior and Redeemer of all the world, even Jesus Christ. I can picture a loving Savior and Friend, perfect in every way imaginable to us, watching each of us struggle in our imperfections. He watches with love as we give all that we can, yet continually come short of all that our inner divine potential would allow. He does not acknowledge or tell us of our weakness because he wishes to make us feel inferior or unable, but because he wishes for us to realize that we are not alone and can do all things with His power. I can picture Him walking by our side, lifting us as we fall, stabilizing us when we struggle, and wiping our tears when it seems that all hope is lost. It is in this way that grace is not merely a power, but an event. Grace is the means by which Christ enables us to walk with Him and eventually to walk like Him. It is a power which can only be fully appreciated by those who have given their all, allowing Christ to justly intercede as if to say of our futile but sincere efforts, "it is enough." It is through grace that we come to know the Savior, and ultimately learn to become like Him.
I testify that Jesus' empathy is indeed earned. He descended below all things that He might justly receive the right and power from the Father to lift us above all things. He has given us something better - a sphere of light and understanding which the world cannot give, nor take away. He is my Savior, my Lord, and my King. Above all, He stands ready to receive us with open arms as we are willing to receive Him, and pay the price of all that we are, in honoring all that He gave. He paid a terrible price for every person that we will ever know. He paid an infinite price with His own blood, because we are of infinite worth. It is my hope that we may stand with Him by lifting those around us with love in our hearts. It is my sincere testimony that we will come to know him more greatly from helping others than we ever could by helping ourselves.