Colossians 1:6 that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.

What a difference translation makes! The NIV seems good enough, but then the Japanese comes along and takes it to a completely different level. The biggest point of difference as I see it is that the NIV says, “you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth,” where the Japanese says, “you heard and really understood God’s grace.” A major problem in the Church today is that far too many Christians don’t really understand God’s grace. Understanding God’s grace is a lifelong journey, but the better we understand it, the better prepared we are to stand against everything that comes against us in this life, to walk in the peace, joy, and victory that God intends. Jesus was very up front in saying that “in this world you will have difficulties,” (John 16:33) but when we understand God’s grace, we can get through them and even rejoice in the process! When Hosea says, on behalf of God, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” (Hosea 4:6) he isn’t talking about an academic education! He is talking about knowing God, in all His holiness, power, and love. That is really understanding God’s grace.

It’s been many years since I first stated publicly that when the Japanese believers wake up to who they are in Christ, it will change not only the Church but the whole nation of Japan. That’s what this verse is all about. Because the Colossian believers really understood God’s grace, the Gospel bore fruit among them that echoed across the world. My calling and commitment are to help the Japanese really understand God’s grace. I see some who are quick learners, and I see some who can never seem to really grasp it. I’m not to take pride in those who do learn (though I certainly rejoice), and I am not to be discouraged by those who are slow. Rather, I am to be faithful as a tool in God’s hands, a mouthpiece for the Holy Spirit, so that as He gives people ears to hear, He may communicate His grace through me. I am as imperfect as the next guy, but if I will be available, He will use me. That’s His grace!

Father, sometimes my heart aches for wanting people to grasp Your grace and receive it in all its fullness. Keep me from trying to force it on anyone. Rather, let me be such an example that people will learn to walk in it with me, so that together we may understand and appropriate all that You have done for us in Christ, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!