Daily Journal: 23 October

The Character

and Work of Grace

What defines grace?

If you look up dictionary definitions for the word grace you'll find many meanings and actions. It can refer to conduct, physical characterisations or appearance, and a Christian aspect of God's mercy and favour towards people.

When I look at someone who exhibits characteristics of grace I see someone who allows for other people’s idiosyncrasies, differences and roles; someone who carries humility without loss of strength or dignity; someone who is insightful and nonjudgmental; someone who demonstrates genuine, active kindness; someone who carries conviction and is able to step past themselves to understand and serve others for the sake of another’s welfare.

That’s a big bucket list of grace wants and grace needs.

We recognise grace in others and ourselves, both when it is present and when it is lacking.

1 Peter 5:6 (AMP)

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honour in His service] at the appropriate time,

Grace is a beautiful character trait that is willing to set aside self. This goes against the grain of our natural human tendencies. It is a characteristic of Christ that, as we learn of Him, spend more time with Him, and become more like Him, we exhibit His beautiful fruit and beautiful works more and more.

1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV)

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

God’s grace toward us, deposits in our hearts something to deliver through Him; it enables us and establishes us. Along the way, we may meet obstructions, but let’s not give up. God is in control.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV)

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Do you find God’s grace gives you more capacity to extend grace to others?

Lord, we thank you for your boundless grace. We ask for your sufficiency; that when people interact with us, and observe our lives, they will see the character and work of grace defining us.