I think we can all agree on the beauty and significance of the word, GRACE. As I mentioned earlier, I like finding common ground and I particularly like it when we have something for Christians and non-Christians that unites rather than divides. Perhaps when Christians see that this concept is far-reaching and can mean something beyond the meaning found in a Biblical / Christian context, communication is improved and relationships are broadened. Likewise, a non-Christian who connects the dots somewhat, (without necessarily 'buying in') can see a concept stripped of its political / theological context and appreciate the Christian ideal, if taking issue with the application.
Let grace marinate for a moment. Let it bounce around up there in your brain. What does it connote for you? I know I am part of the Christian sub-culture and certainly call myself a Christ-follower,
though often I am pitiful at it. And that word has a special, high meaning for Christians. But I think, despite your belief or perhaps unbelief, we can find beauty in the word, the idea ... of ... grace.
Looked it up. Because I know if there is a word with diverse meaning, this is it.
Definition 2a: approval, favor
Isn't it nice to be approved? I think we over-play the whole, "You care too much about what others think." It is nice to have approval. My son still looks over at me when he makes a good play. He wants to know, I'm watching. He wants to know he has my approval. Guess what? He does! And I try to tell him often, He has my approval, my favor, grace from ME ... no matter what he does! And I tell him this because I want him to know it ... because I need to hear that too!
Yes, this can be taken too far. This can flat-out become a debilitating thing. But for now, I want to point out that approval and favor are nice things ... GREAT things ... to have.
2e: a temporary exemption - think, "grace period". A nice thing to have, if something that is hard to find anymore in the American banking system!
2d: disposition to or an act of kindness, courtesy, or clemency - here we go. This is something of an unfamiliar usage and that should bother us. The fact that basic kindness is lacking is bothersome. I think being kind past the point of expectation, should rather be the ideal and the criteria for grace.
3c: ease and suppleness of movement or bearing - who doesn't love to see great athletes and performers exhibit grace? I think of Roger Federer on the tennis court. Not only does he demonstrate grace in his movement for there is a beauty to his tennis game, but he is surely one of the most gracious winners, and losers, in sports today. The fact that we ask our children to exhibit this behavior, instead of the other kind, should clue us in to how much we value grace.
I've been telling my kids (warning, Christian pre-text here) that grace is defined as "unmerited favor". I want them to have those words be automatic (think Puritan catechism here), almost Pavlovian, such that one day, they will sit and wonder, "what in the world does THAT mean?"
Indeed Webster is there with me.
Definition 1a says, "unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification."
God deals with His creation in two ways. At times, he administers justice, and at times he administers grace. I fully understand we're beyond the scope where everyone is going to agree, but while you may not believe the Bible OR you may have 'fairness' issues with this 'system', a clear reading of both testaments states this. A couple of thoughts ...
- anyone who says or implies that they have done something to earn this grace from God is wrong and is communicating something other than the gospel message. For when we talk of earning or deciding, we are no longer talking about grace. We're talking about merit.
- my own theory is probably unsophisticated but I am compelled to offer it. In dealing with children, all children receive kind treatment, correct? All deserve our courtesy and respect and even a measure of grace and love. But how does this differ with how we deal with our OWN? Our own children - to say we are to be kind to them - is a gross understatement. To say we are to be courteous to them is absurd. Rather we want the very best for them and so every ounce of grace and understanding that we are capable of - we give it ALL to them. Yes, we would gladly give our lives for them. This is the highest saying and my very best understanding of grace.
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