Nancy finished her coffee and set down the cup just as the server arrived with the check. She accepted the little leather folio from his hands and slipped her credit card inside.

Barbara reached for the check. “You don’t need to pay.”

Nancy smiled and handed the folio to the server, who nodded and left the table. “I know I don’t need to, but I want to. This is a small way to honor our friendship. You’ve been a dear friend for many years.”

“As have you.” Barbara spooned her leftovers into her take-out box. “Thank you. I’ll pay next time.”

“That’s not the point. I’m simply appreciating how much God has done for me and I want to share.” Nancy packed up her own leftovers. “I heard something at church the other day that I’d never heard before.”

Barbara lifted her eyebrows. “Oh?”

“The pastor was talking about grace. Of course, I’d heard all about grace before, but he said it was an acronym. G-R-A-C-E. God’s riches at Christ’s expense. Because of what Jesus did, we are able to experience God’s riches.”

Barbara sat back against the booth. “That is a good way to think about it.”  She picked up her take-out container. “I can’t believe how much food they serve here. I didn’t even touch the other half of this sandwich. And I think there were enough fries for three people.”

“I know what you mean. I always have enough food for two meals whenever we go out.”

The server returned with the check, and Nancy and Barbara exited the restaurant. Barbara shivered as she slipped her arms into her jacket. “It’s getting chilly.”

Nancy nodded. “It is. I think we might need to turn the heat on in the car on the way home. I can’t believe how quickly summer turned into fall.”

They strolled down the city streets toward the parking deck. Along the sidewalk sat a homeless woman, huddled near the side of the building to keep out of the wind. Nancy and Barbara exchanged glances, and each handed their take-out boxes to the woman.

The woman glanced up through strands of greasy hair and nodded, without saying a word. Barbara and Nancy continued toward the parking deck when suddenly, Barbara stopped in her tracks.

“What’s wrong?”

“I need to go back. I’ll meet you at the car.” Barbara hurried off in the direction they’d just come, leaving Nancy staring after her. She held her hand up to her forehead, shielding her eyes from the sun. Barbara made her way back to the homeless woman, slipped off her jacket, and handed it to the woman. Nancy continued to watch as Barbara jogged back towards her, her arms crossed across her chest, trying to stay warm.

“You gave her your jacket?”

Barbara shrugged. It’s cold out here. She needed it.”

“But now you’re cold. She didn’t even say thank you when we gave her the food.”

Barbara rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “Yes, I’m cold, but we’ll be in the car in a few minutes. She’ll be outside all day. I was thinking about what you said.”

“About grace?”

“Yes. You bought lunch for me because God has been good to you. I simply wanted to do the same thing.”

Nancy frowned. “You know, it’s not the same thing at all.”

Barbara’s brow furrowed. “Why not?”

“I bought you lunch, but you could have bought your own lunch. You could have paid for it yourself or even paid me back. That woman on the street couldn’t buy her lunch, couldn’t buy a jacket, and she can’t pay you back. That’s a lot more like what Jesus did for us.”

Barbara’s face transformed into a smile. “That’s right. There’s no way we could possibly pay for our sins or pay Jesus back for his incredible sacrifice.”

“What made you go back to give her your jacket?”

“It just felt like the right thing to do. It didn’t matter to me that she didn’t say thank you. I simply wanted to be obedient to the Holy Spirit’s leading.”

Nancy wrapped her arm around Barbara’s shoulders and squeezed. You are a blessing. Thank you for showing me with your actions how to love like Christ. I think I’m going to come back here tomorrow with some things to share with the homeless. Warm clothes and food, for one, but also some Bibles.”

Barbara leaned into Nancy’s embrace. “Count me in.”

Ephesians 1: 7-8

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.

Dear Lord, You are so good to us. You’ve paid the debt of our sins, and we can never repay You. Not only have we been forgiven, but You’ve given us the lavish riches of Your grace. As we have been blessed by You, please help us to bless others. Open our eyes to the needs around us, whether small or great. Help us to make a difference in the lives of the people You put in our path. In Jesus’ name, Amen.