Grace. It’s
a beautiful word, one that’s become a popular girl’s name in recent years. The
term graceful conjours up images of someone who moves fluidly and
easily. A gracious hostess is a lady who is full of consideration for
her guests, self-assured and unflappable.
We are told
that Mary the mother of Jesus was “full of grace”. When I think of Mary I
imagine a woman of great character, strength, humility and with a servant
heart.
Biblically,
grace refers to a gift to us from God that He offers to every person who turns
to Him in repentance and faith :
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by
grace you have been saved.
Grace is one
of God’s clearest attributes. He didn’t need to save us from our sins, yet He
gave Jesus to be our Saviour, to make a way for fallen humanity to come back
into fellowship with Him. He chose to forgive us because of His great love.
Grace is the
prerogative of the one who has been sinned against. Imagine if God withheld His
grace. We would be under the judgement of sin and death. We are saved because
Jesus has already paid that very price on the cross.
The Bible is
very clear that because we have been saved through the grace of God, we are to
extend grace to those who sin against us. This can be a difficult process
depending on the circumstances but herein lies a beautiful truth. God’s grace
changes hearts. In the absence of grace, a root of bitterness can grow. In the
presence of grace, a field of colourful and fragrant flowers can grow. Grace, amazingly, when extended is not
depleted. It multiplies in the heart. It honours God and brings joy to our
heavenly Father.
I love the
imagery of the “throne of grace” written in the book of Hebrews. Grace is not a
little, insignificant thing but a mighty supporting framework. What a glorious
image. We can approach God in prayer through Jesus and know His loving grace:
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so
that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
