Before I get into this blog, let's look at the definition of grace.

noun

1. simple elegance or refinement of movement.

2.courteous goodwill.

verb

do honor or credit to (someone or something) by one's presence.

I really like this word the more that I look into it. Simple elegance, courteous goodwill, do honor. God's grace could be then translated as God's honor to us by His presence. Or that God gives us courteous goodwill. Or that He is simple elegance.

So let's look at the verse above again but with the definition of grace put in it. Receive and experience the amazing courteous goodwill of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves. Do we feel the goodwill of Him we serve in ourselves? I know that I do! But then do I bring grace to others?

To those that bash the LGBT, do I bring grace? To those that hate, do I bring grace? To those that do me wrong, do I bring grace? If the answer is no, then I am not following the role model set by Christ. Even when being nailed to the cross, he said for God to forgive the men who were doing it. When people are nailing me to a spiritual cross because our views are not the same and they believe their way is the only way, can I do the same?

I would like to think so but at times, I am too busy putting them on a cross too. I use language like "don't judge me!" or "look at your own sin". I don't think for one minute that they deserve grace and a different response. I was reading that some times the down fall of the church is the members in the church. That is so true!

If we are beating each other up, then what will others think of us? We are to be the ones that extend grace and love. I get it, we don't always get that given to us, but that don't mean we can't in turn give it! It is like forgiveness, we give before even asked and no matter who it is!

That is a whole other subject! Back to grace, wouldn't you like to be known for giving it? Or having it? Are you simple elegance? Are you courteous goodwill? Do you do honor or credit to someone or something by your presence? I hope we all can say yes to these.

All this talk and yet we have not even touched on how to be a giver of grace! Well I know for me, it is found in gratitude. Wait what? Yes grace and gratitude go hand in hand. When I am grateful I find grace! When I am glad that you are in my life, you bring grace to it. When I am grateful for the hardships, I walk through them in grace.

I have to have an attitude of gratitude in order to have grace come in and go out of my life. In every moment of every day I can find gratitude and right there with it, grace! Most of the time we read, "Find grace in the Lord, and give thanks!" or some thing like that. But it shows us that the two go hand in hand. When you read the above scripture, could you not feel grateful for Christ giving us grace? Let us look at another: 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

I can see here how the writer Paul was in gratitude because of God's grace! Can't you? Paul writes about having a handicap and glad for it because God gives him grace and strength! Another thing that you find with grace is strength.

I am weak so He gives me grace which makes me strong! Look at these scriptures for a few examples:

Luke 2:40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

2 Timothy 2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

See God's grace makes us strong, firm, and steadfast! We have to believe in it! Have it! And give it!

Will you give grace today?