Gracious Like God

Grace is another attribute that we commonly associate with God and Christianity. Indeed, it is the basis for our Christian faith, but do we really understand what grace is and means? Do we fully appreciate the graciousness of God? Are we living examples of God’s grace to the world?

1 Corinthians 1:4-5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge,

The grace of God is a phrase often spoken of, and often taken for granted. We know that it is by God’s grace we have been saved, that it makes us able to have salvation rather than punishment for sin, but we often forget that grace came at a price. We did not pay for it, but Jesus did with His very life.

Grace is best defined as an undeserved gift. It is a blessing we could in no way earn. There is no room for entitlement or pride when it comes to grace. It is completely a gift of God to all who will accept it, and that ability to accept it is itself a gift from Him. We have no reason to boast at all, for we are no better than any other. This concept should fill us with humble gratitude which is reflected in adoration for God, goodwill for others and a desire for all to receive this gift.

Unfortunately, many see it as something they have earned, deserve or even have a right to. Instead of being humbled by this gift they are puffed up by it, looking down on those who have not received rather than feeling pity and a desire for them to be saved. Many also see it as a license to live however they please, rather than a motive for loving obedience. Yet the Bible clearly states that that is not right.

Romans 6:1-3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?

To continue to live in sin, or to arrogantly feel that we deserve or could earn grace is to ignore the meaning of grace and the price it cost our Savior. It reveals a heart unchanged by the grace and love offered.

Hebrews 10:29 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?

Hebrews 2:9-10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.

Jesus suffered the punishment we deserved so we could receive a gift we do not deserve. Let that sink in. Let that concept humble you and fill you with gratitude.

As with many other attributes of God, grace is one we are supposed to model as His ambassadors to the world. We need to be willing to forgive others as we have been forgiven, willing to extend that grace we have been given.

1 Peter 4:10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

We are to use what God has given us to serve others and glorify God; our time, money, gifts/talents, love, etc. We are not to selfishly use them for our own gain or profit, but for others. Jesus sacrificed Himself for us, He gave up everything. Who are we to refuse to do the same?

Colossians 4:6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

Proverbs 14:21, 31 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

He who despises his neighbor sins,
But happy is he who is gracious to the poor…

He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker,
But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

The Greek word for grace is charis which literally means that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, loving-kindness, favour. These are the characteristics we should have toward others, not in deceit, but with genuine love for others and humility with God. It should be something which flows naturally from a gracious heart that has been transformed by the grace of God. Only a right understanding of the grace of God can do this. It is something that God grows in us as we submit ourselves to Him and seek His will.

Do you live in a right understanding of God’s grace? Do you exhibit that grace in your life? How have your thoughts, desires, actions, habits and words been transformed by experiencing God’s grace? What can you do to show that grace to others?