GRACE

Grace

I am not writing much lately.  The issues the Lord is bringing to my attention seem to defy linguistic interpretation and words that would define them flee from my pen (read: keys) as I approach them. 

For instance I have been trying to define grace – not the unmerited favor from God but the grace we demonstrate to others.  The “grace under pressure” kind of grace.  There is evidence that in generations past women were taught grace -- elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action -- as part of their upbringing.   Men were tutored in what was called “the social graces”, which dictated their behavior in public interactions.  This required that one react to pressure, not with the feelings and emotions of the moment, but with a measured, considered and self-controlled response designed to allow the heat of the moment to dissipate. This is the “grace” in gracious, and graceful.

While there is little obvious emphasis on grace in today’s marketplace it is most obviously missing in many interactions between spouses, loved ones, and family members. We think the most important thing about our communication is that we “speak our mind” or “be heard”.  This leads to unpleasant words spoken in haste and provoking a similar response. How we speak to our family or friends seems to matter so much less to us than having our say.  And all of this seems to take place in the heat of the moment.

We are reminded in scripture that a soft answer quiets the spirit. We are instructed to tame the tongue and bridle it. ! Peter 3 addresses women specifically, mentioning the “gentle and quiet spirit” but the message is by no means restricted to women. Titus instructs us all about the need for self-control.  As you consider this, be assured that it is only by the grace of God that we can demonstrate grace toward others.

“It [God’s grace]teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,”  Titus 2 :12a