…grace.

I used to think grace was only something that was spoken before eating our family meals.  Boy, was I wrong. By the way, yes, I did cook that meal (although I had to stage the shot, because it’s not time to eat, lol).

It has only been through reading and teaching that I have a better understanding of grace.  Please understand that this my working definition of grace and I’m sure it will be refined as time goes on.  By definition, grace is “GOD’s undeserved favor.”  If we are to delve a little deeper, it is “receiving something you don’t deserve, and can not pay back.  You cannot get [purchase] it, but only can receive it.”   I’ve heard this statement a few times: “…as long as [so-and-so] stays in my good graces.”  This is actually incorrect thinking.  Let me explain.  Grace does not belong to us.  Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) encourages us to, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

So then, why would we have the need to come boldly towards something that is already ours?  That’s an easy one:  Because grace isn’t ours to begin with.  We are, instead to operate as though it is the grace of GOD, or GOD’s grace……”Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10; NIV).   A steward is a person who manages another’s property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others” (dictionary.reference.com).  We are to be faithful administrators of God’s grace, extending that grace to everyone.

On a personal level, I feel like people take my kindness as a weakness.  I have felt this way for many, many years, but it’s slowly changing.  I’ve thought to myself, “Why didn’t I tell so-and-so off?  Why did I do that for such-and-such, considering they treated me like this.  I feel so foolish for doing that for them.”  I understand better today that grace isn’t mine.  I’m only to administer it [grace] to everyone.  The hard part is administering it to people who, I feel, don’t deserve it…….

Grace: receiving something you don’t deserve, and can not pay back.

Until next time.

Love & Peace