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But there are two points which are the most interesting to me about this depiction of grace. The first, is that George’s self-giving love is the very thing that keeps the world of Bedford Falls from spinning off its axis. When we see what would have happen if George had never lived – or without his interventions of grace – the town is lost to the control of the ruthless, graceless capitalist, Henry F. Potter. The mainstay businesses are replaced by more profitable stores like casinos and other establishments of “riotous living”. The two name itself becomes Potterville. Setting aside the highbrow expectations of plausibility and nuance, this venture into bizarro-Bedford Falls is both profound and entertaining. Without the unexpected interventions of grace, the world quickly goes to hell in a hand-basket. Grace is an interruption that disrupts the karmic (capitalist?) order of the world.

Additionally, George’s one-way-love to the people of Bedford Falls is not an unrequited, uni-vocal love. His grace is not given in vain, but is return to him 10 fold in his hour of need. George’s long-suffering life of grace has created a loving community which supports him when the tables turn and he desperately needs help. Grace “works”, without exception! It cannot help but have an effect on the recipient. The act of grace for the unexpecting (i.e. unworthy) recipient creates a spontaneous, reciprocal response of thankfulness, loyalty, and love.