Any relationship is going to require a Grace Card. That’s because we are destined to fail each other over and over again. We will fail because we are fallible, and we will fail without even trying, because our expectations are always too high for the other to meet.
One of Christ’s disciples once asked Him how many times he should forgive his brother, “Seven times?” he suggested. That probably seemed like a lot to him. “Try seventy times seven,” Jesus replied (Matthew 18:22 The Message).
Now I don’t think Jesus meant by this that we were to literally count up all the times we have forgiven someone and as soon as we get to 490, say “Okay, that’s it. I’m not forgiving you anymore!” I think what He meant was: if you’re going to put a number on it, make sure it’s too big to keep track of.
Or better yet, how about a credit card with an unlimited account? An account Jesus opened on the cross? An account we can draw on as much as we need, for ourselves, and for those who offend us, or sin against us, or disappoint us, or let us down? You’ve already got one if you’ve been to the cross. Why not activate it today?
This does not mean we are not accountable to one another. This does not mean we aren’t honest when we are hurt or we hurt someone. It means that when we do, it’s not a lesson in futility. We have a card to swipe that takes away our sin. Believe me we’ll need it. I keep mine out all the time. I don’t even bother putting it away.
Grace Card. Don’t leave home without it. (Don’t go home without it, either. That’s probably where we need it the most!)
John Fischer The Catch 
I really like today’s Catch ! Thank you John. This puts things in a much clearer sharper focus for me.
Do we need to stay in relationship with those who repeatedly hurt us? Can we forgive, but yet feel free to walk away?
Yes. There will be times when this is what you have to do to protect yourself or others.
it’s a .cons tan….t battle. When grace falls in the forest it’s hard to hear the sound it makes. I have no problem not leaving home without it, but coming home to these four walls with no one to hear it, well,…
let’s just say the sound it makes when I carry it back outside sounds unregenerate to the ears of many hearers. as if…Prov 20:9
Love the last line! …..and the whole post actually brought breath to my “shame squeezed” lungs gasping for air. Thanks John! I recently read somewhere that Grace means that all our mistakes now serve a purpose instead of serving shame. Appreciate your work.