Grace is a very special word. It has several meanings. It is the favor of God upon you when you have done nothing to deserve His favor. God’s grace saves us. Grace also refers to the empowerment God gives us to do His will and to act in righteousness. St. Paul said, “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” (I Corinthians 15:10, full quote is below)
Grace in the Bible
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (I Corinthians 15:10) “ I do not frustrate the grace of God.” (Galatians 2:21) “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast”. (Ephesians 2:8-9) “The Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11) “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17) “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (I Peter 5:5)
Grace Prayer or “Saying Grace
”Many people use the word “grace” to refer to a special prayer. You may hear someone say, “We need so say grace.” This is a prayer of thanks that believers say when they gather together for a meal. It is a moment to stop and give thanks to God for the day and for the provision of food, health and family. It demonstrates their dependence on God to meet their daily needs.
How to Show Grace to Others
To extend grace to another person means to have mercy on them and their shortcomings. In a time when you could judge them for their behavior or attitude, instead you demonstrate kindness or patience toward them. This is “showing grace”. As the Scripture says, God gives grace to the humble. When you receive God’s grace, it enables you to show grace to others (favor that they do not deserve). This may help them to receive God’s grace as they see this grace demonstrated through you.
Do I Need God’s Grace?
We all need God’s grace every day. Why? Because God’s grace enables us to live a life of righteousness, peace and joy – that’s living in the kingdom of God (Romans 14:17). Grace comes to us a we humble ourselves before God and admit that we need help to make right decisions. We invite Christ to live His life through us – this saves us from sin, fear and despair. We all need saving from these things – we all need Jesus’s help to make the world a better place!
Jesus bless you all
Nicola Kanaan
