Through the many

II Corinthians 4:1,15-16 "...as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart." Grace. This beautiful phenomena. Our withholding hinders His glory. Hinders the heart transformation birthed from the giving of thanks. Because what else would a person feel when they're expecting walls, judgment, distance, but are met with closeness, forgiveness, and love. When we choose the wall, not only do we participate in the hardening of heart, it's as if we rob them of a spiritual experience. Their thanks becoming His glory. An intimate interaction of soul and Spirit. Our gift of grace, which is only a manifestation of our receiving mercy, swells His glory! And for this end, we must not lose heart. Not for the receiving of our own thanks or even to make peace. We mustn't give in or give up. When His glory is at stake, it's always worth it to give grace. To love and favor a person's soul over the circumstance. Over the words. Over the feelings, whatever they may be. Anger. Fear. Regret. Sorrow. Confusion. Control. Grace can mount on wings and cover all of those and more. It's Jesus' greatest act, and He gives it to us now to give. That His grace may spread through the many.