What is G-R-A-C-E?
February 22, 2019 by Kathy Carlton Willis
Filed under Daily Devotions, Personal Growth
I’ve been looking for grace for the past several years. Grace is something that fascinates me. The more I learn about grace, the more I realize how woefully lacking I am. Not that I lack God’s grace because I have found His grace is sufficient. What I am short of is BEING gracious. I am learning how to humble myself and surrender my needs through life’s lessons. There’s no such thing as a Christian having certain rights; I don’t deserve anything at all. This year is half over and I still hope to make progress when it comes to BEING gracious. I am drawn to people of grace. They don’t even realize they are exuding grace; it just flows naturally out of them. Here’s the key. I can’t fake being gracious. I can’t work up true humility. I can’t strive at being virtuous. I can have a long list of dos and don’ts but that won’t make me gracious. I can look real good like shining brass but tarnish will show up over time—often when I’m tested. And when I’m tested, what is on the inside is going to come out. The key is much like the truth Dorothy learned during her trip to Oz. I found grace inside of me. It was there all along. And I will see my graciousness grow as my relationship with my Heavenly Father grows.
I hope to expand this grace as I continue to grow. Grace bears many types of fruit. Fruit like: joyfulness, sincerity, peacefulness, contentedness, and humility. A woman of grace has a beautiful countenance that reflects the glow of Jesus. She has a simple elegance that draws others to her. Her virtues are respected throughout the land. She lacks bitterness because she doesn’t hold a grudge. Her positive outlook keeps her focus where it needs to be. Her speech and attitudes are in check, disciplined by the principles found in God’s Word. She is a woman of prayer to a God with Whom she is intimately familiar. What a lovely woman!
Of course, men can also seek to have more grace in their lives. I know it is tough to be both macho and gracious, but here is a reality check for you: Real men eat quiche and display grace! In other words, no matter how tough the exterior, men and women both can have a heart full of grace as they allow God to work in their lives.
PRAYER: Lord, help me grow in grace as I grow to know You better each day. Help my actions and my speech reflect the work You are doing in my heart.
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another,” Romans 12:10 KJV.
Today’s devotion is by Kathy Carlton Willis, wife to Russ, pastor’s wife to many, author, editor, publicist and a certified CLASSeminars speaker. Kathy Carlton Willis Communications encompasses her many passions. Learn more about how she reflects Christ as she shines the spotlight on others at: http://kcwcomm.blogspot.com/ or http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com/.
As I read your devotional, I immediately thought of two Christian that I have always loved and been drawn to because of their graciousness. I always hoped to exclude just a little of that grace. It is encouraging to know that God will continue to do His work in our lives and accomplish his purpose with us. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, yes, Kathy! You have captured my heart’s desire so well. I know I want grace from others when I’m tired or when I flub up. So I want to extend grace to others.
You gave me a chuckle over the real men, quiche, and grace too!
Robin