Grace. I know what it means. I think.
I’ve experienced it, because of the grace of Jesus. But do I really understand it?
Recently I attended a Prayer Summit at our church. I love these events. We join as a corporate body and pray together as the leader directs. Sometimes for lost souls in our community and families, other times for healing, then for revival in our nation. This particular Prayer Summit the focus was on asking Jesus what He wanted to do in our lives in the area of growth, character development, etc. So I prayed.
Grace.
The word hit me in the heart. Grace. Grace. How does one grow in grace? How should I show grace? What is it really?
My mind raced to the previous day when my expectations of my daughter seemed too high for her and even though I saw her tears, and heard her pleas I remained stiff-necked in my responses to her. I didn’t show grace.
Then I remembered how I had ‘pulled a face’ at a woman I had been very impatient with. I hadn’t said any words, I hadn’t sighed or groaned… I just tightened my face muscles in just that way. My impatience ruled, not grace.
Sometimes I mix up grace and mercy. They seem to be two sides of the same coin. Because of God’s mercy I don’t receive the judgment due me. But His grace out-poured to me provides me with eternal life, blessings, and unmerited favour.
The truth is: I’m still learning. I don’t have the full answer. But I am seeking God and putting into practice what I know and hear through the Holy Spirit.
Grace is making a special or favorite meal for a family member who has dropped the ball on chores, been disrespectful and broken the rules.
Grace is hugs for a naughty toddler.
Grace is special treats (or maybe money?) for someone who didn’t earn it.
Grace is new shoes for a homeless man, a layette for a pregnant teen, or a mortgage payment for the addict’s family. Grace is many things – but it is always unmerited, it’s always favour.
I’ve experienced God’s grace. I’ve experienced the grace of friends and family. We’ve been blessed beyond what we could ever earn or deserve… and when it’s impossible to earn it I know it is grace.
Grace. I struggle with living and giving grace. I know because the Lord told me so! But I want to grow. How will I grow? I’ll search the Scriptures to see what God’s grace looks like. I’ll examine my life to see where God has been gracious with me. And I’ll practice obeying when God shows me… “Now, dear one… go give grace!”
How has God shown you grace? How have you showed grace in your own family? If you could describe a gracious woman, what would she be like? Let’s learn from each other how to be women of GRACE!
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About Carla Anne Coroy
Carla Anne can be described in one word: passionate. After just a few minutes with her it is evident that her biggest passion is people. Carla Anne is an accomplished Christian author, speaker and business woman. Her favourite way to spend her free time is hanging out with her 8 kids (an even mix of sons, daughters, and in-laws) and many family “add-ons”. In winter you can find her cheering for her local hockey team and in summer she’ll be on the beach!
