The word grace has been coming up a lot in my life. Maybe just because I seem more tuned into it lately.
From merriam-webster.com GRACE:
a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification
b : a virtue coming from God
c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace
As Easter approaches, I think about grace. So undeserved. So valuable. Amazing grace, but also grace...amazing!
That someone would know all about me (even/especially the bad parts) and love me enough to stand in my place for the punishment I DESERVE is grace.
Wanting to avoid the suffering, but doing it anyway is grace.
Knowing truth and sharing it is grace.
Not always understanding the why, but struggling through doubts and unbelief is grace.
Matthew 27:50-54 (NIV) And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
Have you ever been on the receiving end of someone not extending much grace or favor in a situation? Have you ever been on the giving end of not extending much grace or favor in a situation? What does grace look like to you?
