Grace

Grace. If there is one word that I want to understand fully it is this one. I have experienced the grace of God, and yet I really do not know what grace is. How can I experience something and not know what it is? I feel like Paul, “I see in a mirror dimly.” With me there is the realization that I fully do not understand the grace and love that God bestows upon me. I am still so blind in so many areas concerning Christ, especially grace. I have looked up definitions of grace, but from the written page they come across coldly. In Vines Expository Dictionary the definition of grace is in part, favorable regard, loving-kindness and goodwill generally. Jesus while we were still at enmity with Him responded with grace. Even now despite the pride, selfishness, condescension, materialism, etc...etc...etc... which still exist within, Jesus treats me graciously. He has a favorable regard, loving-kindness, and goodwill toward me. Amazing. If I truly believe that God is gracious to me, despite myself, why the difficulty in being gracious toward others? Do I have a high regard for the inattentive waitress? Grace. Do I show loving-kindness for my co-worker who insults? Grace. Do I have goodwill generally for the person who may or may not be taking advantage of social services or am I just angry? Grace. Do I have a favorable regard for my supervisor? Grace. Do I show loving-kindness to my wife when we are at odds? Grace. Do I have goodwill generally for the brother or sister in Christ who seems always to hold a different opinion at Church business meetings? Grace. Grace is wonderful and easy to receive but sometimes difficult to give. May we choose to be gracious and pray for the strength.

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.” Romans 12: 14-17.

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how to respond to each person.” Colossians 4: 6.