Monday, August 18, 2008

Grace and Peace



Last week I started working my way through Colossians and I've been struck by the phrase in verse 2: "Grace to you and peace from God the Father".

The word, grace (karis in Greek) has several nuances.
GRACE:
that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, like grace of speech
GOOD-WILL, LOVING KINDNESS, FAVOR:
of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues
WHAT IS DUE TO GRACE:
the token or proof of grace, benefit
THANKS:
(for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward

Although all of these befit God's grace towards sinful mankind, I truly see Paul's desire of the "good-will, loving-kindness and favor" to rest on the saints and fellow brothers in Christ at Colossae.. and through the generations, to all believers.

May I walk with a glimpse of such favor upon me. Surely this will change me today... How can I complain? How can I despair? How can I but help to praise my God and my Redeemer!!

Thank you, God, for giving your grace for today. Please help us walk in grace and be ministers of grace to every soul you bring our way.

1 comment:

Terry said...

Hi Marlene,

Thanks for your comment on my blog. It is good to know that other people are comforted in the tought times by my favorite CD.

I hope little AJ is doing well now. Congratulations, by the way!

Juanita and I remind ourselves regularly that we are not the only people who are suffering or who have suffered.