Generosity, and grace

I mentioned, in a previous post, that we had temporary access to the internet on Sunday 19th July, because of the generosity of a young man at the camp-site at which we had just arrived, in the town of Albias – north of Toulouse. We noticed him, carrying a laptop, as we arrived and, as we were erecting the awning on the caravan, he walked by. I excused myself and, explaining that we had noticed his laptop, asked if a wi-fi network was available on the site. He informed me that, unfortunately, there was not, and I indicated that that was okay.

“However”, he continued (in French, of course!!) “I have a solution.” That solution was very simple. He would let me use his own internet ‘dongle’ – a device (for the uninitiated!) that allows internet access directly from a satellite, at a cost. I thanked him, and enquired as to what I would have to pay. “Rien”, was the instant response – “Nothing”.

He arrived, shortly afterwards, complete with dongle, and even sat and ensured that it was correctly installed (all of the on-screen instructions were in French). As we chatted, I discovered that he came from the town of Besançon, and that he was in his second year of a degree course in mechanical science (if my memory serves me well!). I continued to practice my French with him, while he practised his English language skills with me. It was good, then, to have some time online just to clear out a load of spam, and check some more important e-mails – as well as some newspaper headlines from the UK!

The one thing that I haven’t mentioned is that the young man was an obviously devout Muslim. Joyce brought him a glass of Pepsi and, although he expressed his gratitude – it was a very warm day – he checked with me, before drinking, that it did not contain alcohol. His name (sadly forgotten) was an obviously Arabic one, and his skin tone indicated a Middle Eastern, rather than a European, background.

A few days later, we surprised some friends (whom I will not name to avoid embarrassment) who were staying at a camp-site that was costing more than twice as much as we were paying where we were camped. We could barely believe our ears when they suggested that we move to their site – and they would pay half of our costs! This would have cost them something in the region of £100.00 – just for the pleasure of our company for a few nights. This is a family who would term themselves secular.

So why share all of this? I suppose it’s because what I was witnessing was undeserved, unnecessary, and totally unexpected. And that’s one way (or ought I to say ‘three ways’?!) by which to describe the grace of God. We had done nothing that could have given us the right to demand such generosity – and not one of us has ever done anything that would entitle us to God’s grace. Neither our young Muslim friend, nor our friends of longer standing, were under any obligation to treat us in the generous ways that they did – and the Almighty Creator of all that is certainly isn’t under any obligation to sinful mortals like us. We were wonderfully surprised by the generosity that these dear people showed to us – and we are constantly amazed at the ways in which God shows His grace towards us.

We also wondered just how many of our Christian friends would treat us in such ways – and, more pertinently, how ready we would be to treat others in such a way!! “… whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone – especially to those in the family of faith.” (Gal.6:10). Not for the first time, we may learn from our unconverted friends!!

One final thought in this post. We accepted the offer from our young Muslim friend; the other (even more generous) offer, we declined. This was not intended as a slight to our friends, whose generosity was, is, and always will be, appreciated more than we can say – and we truly hope that we have not offended them in any way. There were other, personal, reasons, for our not accepting it. But the simple fact remains that we didn’t and they, of course, were unable to force us to do so.

The grace of God is offered to one and all. But if we don’t respond, positively, to that offer – the generosity of which is beyond measure – then He will not force it upon us. The ultimate choice is always ours. However, although declining our friends’ offer meant that we lost out on a few pleasant evenings together, enjoying each other’s company and ‘bonhommie’; declining the offer of full salvation through the grace of God, means eternity banished from His glorious Presence. How sad that so many deliberately decide to do so. May I urge you to accept that offer? It’s a decision that you will never regret.

[With thanks to the generosity of a certain 'fast-food' outlet that kindly (graciously!!) provides internet access - and all we bought were a couple of cold drinks!!]