Children—particularly little children—are more responsive to adults who are willing to speak with them face to face by crouching down to their height. There is something about that simple gesture that invites connection. As adults, we are often inclined to show kindness and favor to small children because they are weaker than we are and (admittedly) adorable.
The Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe, who knit you together, reaches down from His position of power and authority in order to listen to you and me. Like a loving human parent, He inclines Himself to hear you and to help you. In the Psalms, David made a similar comparison: “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” (Psalm 103.13, ESV) That favor or kindness He shows is often referred to as “grace.”
What is grace?
This term is used pretty loosely, not merely in religious circles, but secular ones as well. So what is God’s grace?
HELPS word studies defines grace as “God freely extending Himself… reaching (inclining) to people because He is disposed to bless (be near) them.” The Old Testament frequently uses words like “graciousness” or “favor,” while the New Testament frequently uses the word “grace.” (If you like word studies, the Greek (New Testament) is “Charis” (Strongs 5485) and the Hebrew is “kaná” (Strongs 2580)).
When God bestows His grace or favor it is a gift, freely given.
Grace IS…
…a free gift from God
…a reason to rejoice
…the reason we can successfully walk in the light with Christ
…something we obtain through faith
Grace is not…
…a license to sin
…a merit prize
…a result of works
Unfortunately, humans have a tendency to treat His grace lightly—sometimes to the point of contempt—by taking personal credit for the good things in their lives or feeling entitled to prosperity. God’s grace isn’t about mere creature comforts; like a wise father, God seeks the purest good of the soul (which does NOT always mean we’ll enjoy the wealth of this world).
As we learned in last month’s focus on mercy, we deserve justice, but God gives us mercy. Because He is “disposed to bless us,” He showered us with grace by sending Jesus–freely providing a means of receiving salvation.
We can’t earn it.
We can’t repay it.
We don’t deserve it.
We can receive this surpassing grace with gratitude, demonstrating our appreciation by living for Him and loving Him wholeheartedly.
Because of God’s grace, we should earnestly desire to follow Him. He reaches for us! Sometimes, like a small child does with his parents, we pursue something of lesser value, thinking it will make us happy. And it might… for a time. Only God has the power to provide us lasting grace and a joy independent of circumstances. His grace surpasses all others, and we should be thankful to be loved so deeply by One so amazing.
Join us this month as we consider the surpassing grace of God our Father. To download a printable PDF of the plan, click the link below:
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Elihu's Corner 
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