Graceful

Isabelle Grace will be here soon – our third grandchild.  I’ve always loved the name Grace although [I admit] I’ve used the word casually and sarcastically at times to describe one who is anything but graceful!

 

The Apostle Paul uses the word “grace” a lot, and never casually!  As girls-becoming-ladies, our mothers worked to help us become graceful in our mannerisms, movements, and conversation.  What a goal for every Christian!  In 2 Corinthians, Paul writes, "But as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you – see that you excel in this act of grace also. (8:7, ESV).  This Greek word for grace, charis, refers to that which offers joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness.  What wonderful attributes – joy-pleasure-delight-sweetness!  As vessels of God's Grace, Paul challenges us to give-furnish-apply these lovelies in everything we do -- what we think, do, and say.  Why would we do this?  "For you know the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich." (8:9).  It may be uncommon in this world, but Grace should be a common practice (lifestyle) for those who love Christ, profess His Name, and walk according to His principles.  May Grace abound in us – never being disgraceful!  Let Grace rule and define us in Christ Jesus!