How many times have I fallen down only to be lifted up by God's grace! John 3:13 tells us how much kindness God has shown us. I remember the kindness he has shown me. He lifts me up and guides me into a closer obedience to his law. God's law is not a burden, but a way of life that brings blessings of peace, joy and hope.

Paul says in Romans 6:14: "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace."

If I were under the penalty of God's law, I would have given up long ago. I would have let sin be my master because there would be no point in trying. But Jesus paid that penalty for me. He lifts me up by his grace and says, "That's okay, try again." And like a child learning to walk, I get up and try again. Eventually, I grow stronger and walk away from my sin. 

Of course, there is always more sin. God patiently shines the light of what I need to "clean up" next.

As we examine Jehosheba's kindness to Joash, let us remember the Lord's kindness to us and learn from Joash's mistake.