Speaking Of Grace...

The word grace in Scripture is used in many different ways. In the Old Testament it is often included with "grace-words" when the writer is speaking of God's loyalty or forgiveness, His steadfast love or loving-kindness. It is also used in association with relationships, such as the relationship of a superior to an inferior. And this is noteworthy: An inferior cannot show a superior grace. In other words, we cannot show God grace. Everything flows from His grace and there is nothing we have that did not come from Him.

In the New Testament the word for grace is charis - a word used when speaking of forgiveness. From it comes our word "charity" - giving something to someone when they do not deserve "it" or cannot get "it" themselves. It also implies being "gracious" - that is, grace in action.

Showing God's grace is what Christians are to do after they accept God’s grace. And unless we show it we might question whether or not we really have it!

For example, when we are saved by grace we are to become gracious and act differently. Cruelty is to be replaced with kindness, anger with acceptance, rejection with reconciliation and giving instead of always getting.

Grace is certainly a comprehensive word. It is as wide as the world. Remember what Jesus said: "God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him shall be saved."

Our indebtedness to God for His grace is beyond us. Our indebtedness to show His grace to others is not optional.

Prayer: Your love, Father, is beyond our comprehension and Your grace can never be understood - only accepted. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 84:11b the Lord bestows favor and honor;