Grace is as infinite as its Creator. It is the product of God’s love. But then, love isn’t just an attribute of His––He IS love, as 1st John 4.8 tells us. So, from His infinite being of love, flows His infinite grace. Paul says to Timothy “And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” (1st Timothy 1.14)
1st Corinthians 1:3 “Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The apostle Paul uses this phrase repeatedly to greet the believers in his writings, 2nd Corinthians 1.2, Galatians 1.3, Ephesians 1.2, Philippians 1.2, Colossians 1.2, 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, and more. Peter and John also pair these two words, as partners that walk together.
When we walk in grace, we have peace with God, and with our fellow man. Grace is the oil that anoints us to walk in peace. It quiets the squeaking hinges of our lives, those sticking points between difference of view or opinion. It relieves the stress of interpersonal relationships, if we just avail ourselves of it rather than having to be “right”, or demanding our way.
I find that I must “grow in grace” as I walk this path of wife/caregiver. There are more and more times when I must stop myself from stressing out, and reach for more grace, as I have to repeat my words, explain in simpler terms, or just show patience in a situation. I have to choose not to be offended that I am not understood. I have to remember not to raise my voice in irritation. I have to walk in grace.
How many times has my Father in Heaven been patient and gracious with me, when I chose not to hear Him, when I chose not to understand Him, when I chose not to do what He designed for me to do? I am humbled at the thought. Humility (bowing before my All Mighty, All-knowing, Father) brings me more grace… James 4.6 says, “He gives more grace… God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”(Originally found in Proverbs 3.34 and also found in 1st Peter 5.5)
Looking at the Hebrew word for grace חֵן “chen,” I see that it means favor, charm, elegance, and acceptance. Do I show favor and charm, even elegance in my responses? Again, I am humbled at the thought, that my Father shows me favor, and treats me with charm and His elegant love, even when I am wrong, and sinful, and disobedient! WOW! What a thought!