“Grace"
It's the name for a girl
It's also a thought that
Changed the world” (U2 – Bono)
Have you ever stopped to think about that? “A thought that changed the world”. Grace.
Grace has become a word that gets used in so many places, and in so many ways. A few examples? “Let’s say grace” (before a meal). “She dances with such grace” (when watching ballet). I’m sure you can think of a few more.
Somehow we all seem to understand that grace is a special word. I will often joke and say “I need oodles of grace to deal with that matter”. We understand that it is special, it is unique, it gives us abilities and patience and insight.
Yet grace means more than we can easily understand in our everyday lives. If we look at the dictionary definition of grace, while it is lovely, it’s not what God had in mind when He speaks about His grace.
The Greek word is Greek: χάρις – said Charis fundamentally means grace, pardon.
When taking into account that we have been pardoned by God; of who Micah says: “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgressions of the remnant of his inheritances? You do not stay angry forever, but delight to show mercy” Micah 7: 18.
Can you begin to see how amazing God’s grace is towards us? We have received pardon from the Most High God. This should make your heart sing.
Come with me and imagine the following: A handsome guy – popular, talented, kind – suddenly smiles at the girl who had no idea how valuable she is, or the beautiful girl, smiling at the boy who cannot believe she saw him.
We have all had that moment in life, when we thought that good things could not happen to us, and then, it does, and our hearts swell and our blood runs faster when it does indeed happen.
How much more must our hearts not beat faster and our breath get taken away when we grasp how amazing the grace is that God has poured out towards us.
Ephesians 2:4 – 5 says “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.
Grace – such a beautiful word – AND A THOUGHT THAT CHANGED THE WORLD!
Love
Nadine
Women of Reverence welcomes guest blogger Nadine Judge.
She is married to Francis Judge and together they lead Venture Church in Fairlands,
Johannesburg. They have 3 children, 2 of whom are married and one more who is currently in high school. Nadine and Francis also have one granddaughter who blesses them both abundantly.
When she isn't inspiring leaders and assisting Francis in leading a church, Nadine is often
found where coffee, books and internet converge.