THIS THING CALLED GRACE

It is by grace ye are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, less any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV).


What is Grace? Who can define it? Who can fathom it? Who can measure its depth? Grace is one of those words we banter around as if we know what it means; and yet we have only a glimpse of its true worth. Our understanding of this Heavenly gift is muted by our humanity that wants to analyze, define, and compare every form of experience. Unless we can articulate it, we feel we cannot own it. If we cannot feel it, we don’t believe it exists. If it is not better than what we have, we will reject it altogether. Perhaps that is why Grace, freely given, is easily ignored. How can we finite beings expect to define the infinite? We are foolish to try. God’s full disclosure would overwhelm our puniness. Still, we cry out, “Show us Grace.” And, so, like Moses, He hides us in the crevices and lets us experience a portion of His wonder. This to me is Grace, that indefinable Grace that only God can give: He who is all sufficient finds His pleasure in us.