Stories.
Stories of Grace.
Each one of us has them. Stories where those we may or may not know show grace to us and the times that we show grace to others. A time where I received grace that stands out in my mind was

being pulled over for speeding as an 18 year old. The cop let me go with a warning even though I certainly did not deserve that generosity. I was going 70 in a 55 construction zone and yet he looked at me and said that I could go without a ticket.

So what does this have to do with small groups?

Theology terms like grace are nice and tidy in text books and they usually come with a myriad of references about the exact definition of the word. But, while rationalizing and explaining the word its meaning is lost. The majority of the world learns orally, not through reading and formal education. Learning is done around the dinner table, dancing around a fire late into the night and sipping matte while swinging on hammocks. All the while telling stories about our lives. Here in the Western World we have our own stories that shape who we are and what we know about things but unfortunately we often do not recognize what our stories are because we are so enamoured with linear, rationale learning. Another unfortunate truth is that stories that help Americans understand themselves and the culture that they live in usually come from television and the movies.

I encourage you to take some time as a small group and share your stories of Grace. Share your own personal story of ultimate Grace that was shown in your life when you recognized what Christ did for you. Even take time to share about the Grace the has been shown to you by other people. It is these stories that shape who we are and what we believe and understand about the concept of Grace. The wordy definitions in theological books do not do that. Next time that your group meets take some time to share stories about your lives, it will give a much clearer picture of WHO you are in community with.