I’ve been thinking a lot about grace these days.
What it means to me. What it means to receive it. What it means to give it.
Merriam-Webster gives one definition of grace as ‘approval or favor.’
Another definition offered by Webster is ‘disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency.’
I think this second definition embodies how we should treat others. We should give them grace in the things they say, the actions they do and even {or especially} the things they don’t say or do.
I would love to be able to say I’ve arrived in behaving this way. But the truth is, I haven’t. I’m still a work in progress.
Did I extend courtesy yesterday when I was rushing Emma out the door so we wouldn’t be late? I didn’t give my perpetually cold child enough grace to grab a jacket on the chilly-overcast day. This momma felt like a heel when I saw her goosebumps in church!
Did I give clemency to the waitress who brought me a lemon in my ice water when I specifically asked for no lemon? I’m not so sure I did.
But, and here’s the true question…would I want someone to extend grace to me for either of the above instances?
YES! Absolutely I would. Because I could say that I wouldn’t have done either of these transgressions intentionally.
And I should have known that Emma wasn’t intentionally trying to make us late. And the waitress wasn’t intentionally trying to irritate me by bringing lemon when I asked for none.
I’m also trying to accept grace…the grace of God. Webster defines this grace as, ‘unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification.’
Do I want this grace? Oh yes. I do want divine assistance. Yes, I do want unmerited favor.
So, the one person who can offer it with no questions asked is Jesus. Why do I feel I have to work for grace coming from Him, and yet, naturally expect it when coming from sinful, fallible humans?
It should be that because I know people are imperfect by nature, that I extend them extra grace, knowing we all aren’t capable of giving grace the way He does.
And I should lovingly accept the gift of grace that Jesus gives with open arms. The grace He gives and keeps on giving.
Let’s try to spread and extend unmerited favor where we can. We are worth it, aren’t we?
