Grace. We use this word often, but what does it really mean? When I hear the word “grace”, I immediately think about Jesus and the price He paid on the cross. To me, the word only existed in the context of my sin and His blood. But, what if there’s more to “grace” than a one-time occurrence on the cross? Is it something that is applicable to our daily lives? Let’s look deeper at the definition of the word.
According to Webster’s dictionary the word can be defined as the exercise of love, kindness, mercy, favor. It is also defined as the disposition to benefit or serve another. Grace is the mercy of God and divine favor towards man. The Greek word for grace is charis. It also takes on the meaning of loveliness or gracefulness when describing someone’s character or appearance. The Bible references grace as a form of power and strength. For example, the grace of God empowered Paul to press through trials and tribulations. It is that same grace that enables us to live holy before God. All in all, the word grace encompasses a lot of different meanings.
There are many opportunities in our daily lives in which we can extend grace to those around us. Let me tell you of one such time in my life. So, a friend and I made plans to hangout one weekend. Through a series of events, the plans were changed for the next weekend. “No problem,” I thought. “This works better for me anyway.” Along comes the date, once again the plans were cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. This time frustration arises within as I’ve adjusted my schedule twice to attend this hangout. My friend was more than apologetic. Unfortunately, human nature wanted to prevail in this situation. I wanted to kick and scream at the whole situation. “How could you ditch me yet again?” Instead, I heard God softly whisper to me, “Extend grace”. Initially, I disagreed in anger. I had every right to fell this way. After all, I was inconvenienced. However, in my heart, I knew the correct response. Now, I’d like to say that everything worked out and I got my way in the end. However, that was not the case. The purpose of showing grace was not about manipulating the situation in my favor. Instead, it was about restoring the friendship. It was about freely giving to my friend what was so easily given to me.
Often, it’s so easy to forget grace. We judge people by their actions, while justifying our intentions. We angrily respond to their actions, because after all they deserve it for how they treated you. As Christians, God calls us to exercise a lifestyle of grace. We should sprinkle it on our words as one would on a succulent meal. There should be love, kindness, and mercy etched in every aspect of our lives. When we do this, it is a testament to the grace given to us by Jesus.
Scripture References:
Luke 6:32-35 (NLT): “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return. “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.
Colossians 4:6 (NASB): “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”
Commenti