Grace/Law quiz:

A Word from the Dean
by The Very Rev. Paul F.M. Zahl

How can you tell when you are approaching a problem from the
perspective of Law rather than of Grace? It is a worthwhile
distinction, to say the least, because Law-approaches will always
kill you. Grace-approaches will always help you, and enable you to
love.

Here are some ways to tell the difference:

•If you reason, "If I only did this, then that would
happen," then you are operating from Law. When you cry,
"What can I do about this? (to solve my problem)," you are
operating from Law. (When you say, "This is bigger than I am: I
flunk!" then you are operating from Grace.)

•If you say, "This is so ‘hard’ to do," as in, "It is
so hard to love this man," then you are operating from Law.
(When you say, "I can’t do this, I simply can’t do it,"
then you are operating from Grace.)

•If you advise, "Look, you’ve got to fly right on this one. I’m
sick and tired of putting up with your terrible habits and appalling
traits," then you are operating from the Law. (When you say,
"I give up. Living with you is like living with ... Martha
Stewart! Over to you, Lord," then you are operating from Grace.)

Do you see the difference? It makes all the difference.

- PZ