It is amazing how every one of the attributes of God’s character is unique, and yet, intrinsically woven into all the other attributes. Thus to learn of one is to learn of the other; to experience one is to experience the other! As we get to know about God’s goodness, mercy and longsuffering, we learn that He is also gracious.
4. GOD IS GRACIOUS (2)
Nehemiah 9:17,31 NLT
“[17] They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them, [31] But in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are!”
God is gracious, that is, lenient, compassionate and indulgent towards us, in spite of our shortcomings. Indeed, God is full of grace. The Greek word for grace – ‘charis’ – denotes goodwill, kindness and benefits; whilst the Hebrew word for grace – ‘chen’ – denotes favour, acceptance, charm, beauty. God is full of all of these and extends them towards us!!!
Isaiah 30:18-19 AMP
“[18] Therefore the LORD waits [expectantly] and longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed (happy, fortunate) are all those who long for Him [since He will never fail them]. [19] O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer. He will most certainly be gracious to you at the sound of your cry for help; when He hears it, He will answer you.”
Grace means unmerited favour, and this gives an image of a superior favouring an undeserving inferior. Because of grace we are favoured, accepted and loved by God, even though we don’t deserve it. God’s grace is the product of His love for man, and the foundation of our salvation.
Ephesians 2:8 AMP
“For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God.”
JESUS CHRIST
Jesus ushered in God’s grace, implemented it and executed it on the Cross. Without His sacrifice we would never have received the abundant grace of God towards
John 1:16-17 AMP
“[16] For out of His fullness [the superabundance of His grace and truth] we have all received grace upon grace [spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift]. [17] For the Law was given through Moses, but grace [the unearned, undeserved favor of God] and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
If you had a friend who was merciful, longsuffering and patient towards you, you would trust that person and cherish the relationship. What if that friend also possessed the exception characteristic of graciousness? Yet, we have a friend in Jesus, our trustworthy Friend and God. We only have to believe the things the scriptures have written about Him, and ask the Holy Spirit to give us an experience of knowing Him more.
For Further Reading: Esther 2:17; Zech 4:6-7; John 1:17
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)