Thursday, December 4, 2008

Created for Grace

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." - 2 Corinthians 9:8

We were created for grace. However, I find the grace I extend to others is lacking throughout much of today's life. Yet, in the truest sense, our lives are born out of grace and meant to reflect the grace that we've been given. I'm amazed many times when I reflect on my day, how many times I was offered an opportunity to show grace, how many opportunities I remained silent in, or how many I reserved giving the grace that does not even need a reason to be deserved.

Grace, by definition, is a virtue coming from God, it is approval, favor, mercy, pardon, an act or instance of kindness. If more grace flowed in our lives, how would it change our relationships, our homes, our work environment, lessen our own level of stress? If it is a virtue coming from God, and we don't see grace evident in our lives, then we know where to get it, simply by spending time in God's presence.

Waves ebb and flow. They are a moving ridge or swell on the surface of a body of water. Grace flows like this many times in our lives, and we can usually reflect back and see that when we have spent more time with God, grace abounds much more in our lives than others. The ebb and flow of grace in our lives is so evident when we look at it in the light of our time spent with our Savior.

Waves of grace, I see them in my life and I enjoy riding them. I pray that my life reflects more and more of the grace of God, and that my consistency in extending that grace to others can effect their lives like an ocean wave that picks them up and gives them a ride all the way to their destination. Sometimes riding a wave can be unsettling, but the best way to do it is to allow the power and force of the wave to take you forward.

I'm writing this first blog at the beginning of December, a time we focus on celebrating the birth of Christ. John 1:14, 16 tells us that 'The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth...and of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace." I say that this is a perfect time to reflect on the grace bestowed on us through our Savior, and to find His grace that flows in our lives - it is a time of giving gifts, let us make them gifts of grace.

3 comments:

Editor said...

That is a fantasic post, Mrs. Grace.

Spring M Fricks said...

Glad to have you in the blogger world my friend. This will truly be fun.

Shanita Waters said...

Hi Jennifer. This is my first time here and I wanted to say hello. I actually found your blog by way of Spring's. It's nice to meet you.

I enjoyed your post on grace and the wave analogy.

Blessings!
Shanita