We often think of grace as gracefulness. It was my first year at a new school, what we now call a middle school. The halls were crowded, the lockers loudly banging and everyone pushing to get to class before the bell rang. Flustered, I just barely made it through the door, announced by the loud clanging of the tardy bell. No familiar faces, everyone staring as I spotted the last available seat on the opposite side of the classroom. Head down, I managed to keep some semblance of composure and with great relief sank into the one piece chair and desk. Not finding a place to put the pile of books I was carrying, I slowly let out my breath and waited for what was to come. As the teacher began to speak it became apparent that the dreaded seating chart was on the way. Since no one could pronounce my last name correctly I had to listen carefully to figure out when I was called. It came, and amid the laughter of the strange sounding name, I picked up my books, stood, and took a step toward the isle to change seats. Next thing I knew, I was flat on my face, having tripped over the crutches of the student in front of me. I am not sure who was more mortified, me or the crutch owner, but from then on my nickname was Grace. I came to laugh it off and accept it after a few days. However, grace would carry a negative connotation for me until I experienced the Grace of God. Oh, it is so much more than I ever imagined!
The word grace appears 170 times in the King James Version of the Bible. As the book spans some 1,500 years, we see different emphasis placed on how grace is used and what it means. Genesis 6:8 is the first mention of grace, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” is written immediately after the description of how God was sorry He had made man because of how evil man had become.
The Hebrew word translated “grace” in verse 8 is hen or chen, pronounced khane, in Strong's Concordance H2580, coming from H2603 chanan pronounced khaw nan', “to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, have mercy on.” Ah, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior, what a beautiful picture of what grace is all about! The one receiving this kindness has no right to expect aid or help, but God knows our needs and responds in loving kindness with His help, bending down to assist.
Noah was on God's good side in spite of his human frailties, and God literally saved the lives of him and his family when the world had become so hopelessly corrupt, violent and evil beyond repair that God had to start over (Genesis 6:11-13). Throughout the Old Testament scriptures God shows us grace. He is the one who wants to give favor to anyone willing to walk uprightly, helping in their lives and showering them with gifts! Grace is one of the most wonderful things God wants to give us. Through His grace we can receive the forgiveness of sin, which we can never earn or buy, but is a free gift. But even more, grace is His continual outpouring to us of knowledge, wisdom, and anything imaginable that is good.
The New Testament Greek word typically translated as “grace” is charis (pronounced kharis). Defined as “grace, particularly that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, favor, acceptance, for a kindness granted or desired, a benefit, thanks, gratitude. A favor done without expectation of return, the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God to men finding its only motive in the generosity and boundless love of the Giver, unearned and unmerited favor”(The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, 1992, p. 1469 )
Luke 2:40 is the first time we see it used in the New Testament, speaking of Christ, “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” Since Jesus was without sin this tells us that grace is not limited to unmerited pardon. It is, in fact, more of God giving us what is good. He gives us understanding and purpose, relationship with Him and His Son, understanding how we may enter His Kingdom, physical blessings and much more. If you truly know God's Word, you know that the law of God is part of God's grace, too! He instructs us on how to live and avoid the pain and heartache that comes from sin – the breaking of God's law (1 John 3:4). Being under the Law of God is not at odds with being under His grace. His law guides us in how to walk uprightly and bring God glory in our life; one of the most beautiful and gracious gifts a loving God could give.
Without the law there would be no need for the grace of forgiveness, for we would not know we have sinned. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” (1 John, 3:4)(KJV). There is a law because we have free choice, and God is righteous and holy. His grace is His instruction manual for us, a reflection of His mind; His perfect thinking (Ps 19:7). What a beautiful gift for a peaceful and productive life!
Although I still am not very graceful physically, God shows unfailing grace to me daily. He is always the reason to push on and His ways bring joy, peace, and stability to my life.
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