Grace

Paul is an advocate of God’s grace; no quality was more important to him. But what exactly are we to understand by the word “grace”? One definition we could consider is that it is love and mercy given by God to the undeserving. Perhaps we could add that grace is the fact that God still loves us even though we continually miss the mark expected of us and even though we make no great effort to reach the standards God would have us reach. One should also mention that grace is not bestowed as a reward; it is a gift. If it were a reward, it could not be called grace.

Writing about grace to the people of Corinth, Paul mentions that grace should not be accepted in vain. By this statement one can suggest that Paul means that we should not accept God’s love, expressed in salvation, and then do nothing about it. The proper attitude, implies Paul, is to act on this grace by telling others of God’s gift in Christ.

Perhaps we should look at our own attitude upon having accepted God’s grace in salvation. Are we doing anything about it? Or would Paul be tempted to say that our acceptance is in vain?

O God, move us to tell others of your gracious love. Amen. — AEA