Word of the Week: Grace

 Grace has multiple meanings, including: 

• simple elegance or refinement of movement, 
• courteous goodwill; 
• a period officially allowed for payment of a sum due or for compliance with a law or condition, especially an extended period granted as a special favor;
• the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings. 
• a short prayer of thanks, said before or after a meal

Scripture about Grace:

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved.  Ephesians 2: 4-5

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2: 8-9

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24

But he said to me, " my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Famous Quotes: 

Courage is grace under pressure. Ernest Hemingway

Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off. Max Lucado

For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them. Saint Augustine of Hippo

Beauty without grace is like a hook without bait. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Grace comes into the soul, as the morning sun into the world; first a dawning; then a light; and at last the sun in his full and excellent brightness. Thomas Adams

My thoughts:

Grace is our life breath. It is our salvation, our sanctification. It is kindness from others and for others.  Grace is everything we don't deserve that we get anyway: from a simple sunrise to a piece of chocolate to forgiveness and an eternity in heaven. Grace gives us a meaning and a reason for living. We all need to receive God's grace. We all need to give grace to the world around us.  How can you share grace today?