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God’s Graciousness

God’s graciousness is a profound and defining attribute of His character, highlighting His unmerited favour and generous benevolence towards humanity. This grace, a fundamental element of who God is, influences His interactions with us, underpinning our salvation and shaping our ongoing relationship with Him.

Central to God’s grace is the concept of giving us what we don’t deserve. Unlike human interactions, which are often based on merit or worthiness, God’s favour is extended freely, without consideration of our deserving it. This aspect of grace is beautifully encapsulated in Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Similarly, Romans 3:24 affirms that we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. These scriptures emphasize that the blessings of forgiveness and salvation are not things we can earn; they are freely given gifts from God.

Additionally, God’s grace is indeed a gift, an expression of His love and kindness that cannot be earned or repaid. Romans 6:23 and James 1:17 highlight this gift-like nature of grace. The former contrasts the wages of sin with the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, while the latter reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from God. This characteristic of grace as a gift underscores the generosity of God’s character and the unmerited nature of His blessings.

Moreover, the abundance of God’s grace is a testament to its boundless and generous nature. It’s not limited or scarce but is poured out in copious amounts upon His creation. 2 Corinthians 9:8 and Ephesians 1:7-8 speak of this abundant grace. God’s ability to bless abundantly, providing all that we need to abound in every good work, and the abundance of His grace in the forgiveness of sins are testaments to the richness and generosity of His grace.

In summary, God’s graciousness reflects His unmerited favour, generous gifting, and the abundant outpouring of His blessings. This grace defines our relationship with God, reminding us that what we receive from Him is not due to our merit but is a testament to His loving and generous nature. It encourages us to approach God with confidence and gratitude, knowing that His grace is sufficient for all our needs and is the foundation of our relationship with Him.

Scripture References

• Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
• Romans 3:24: “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
• Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
• James 1:17: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
• 2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
• Ephesians 1:7-8: “In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.”

Biblical Example of God’s Grace

In “Fostering Intimacy with God: Attributes of God’s Character Every Christian Should Know,” a beautiful biblical example showcasing God’s graciousness is found in the story of Ruth, particularly in how Boaz treats her. This narrative is central to the book of Ruth, especially highlighted in Ruth 2.

Ruth, a Moabite widow, decides to stay with Naomi, her Israelite mother-in-law and follows her to Bethlehem. There, Ruth goes to glean in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi. Boaz, the owner of the fields, notices her and shows her extraordinary kindness. He says to Ruth, “The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” (Ruth 2:12). Boaz’s actions towards Ruth are not just acts of kindness but are reflective of God’s graciousness — His unmerited favour and generosity.

For you, this story underscores several vital lessons about God’s graciousness. First, it shows that God’s grace is often extended through human actions. Just as Boaz acted as a vessel of God’s grace to Ruth, you are called to be an instrument of God’s grace in the lives of others. This involves extending kindness and generosity, especially to those who might seem less deserving or those in vulnerable positions.

Secondly, Ruth’s story demonstrates that God’s grace is not limited by background or circumstances. Ruth, a foreigner and a widow, was in a precarious situation, yet she experiences profound grace and favour. This teaches you that God’s grace can reach you regardless of your past or current situation.

In your daily life, living out God’s graciousness means showing unexpected kindness going beyond what is expected or deserved. It might involve helping someone without expecting anything in return, offering encouragement and support to those struggling, or simply being generous with your time and resources.

Furthermore, embracing God’s graciousness in your life involves trusting in His provision and care. Just as Ruth found refuge and provision under Boaz’s care, a reflection of God’s grace, you are reminded to trust in God’s gracious provision in your life, even in challenging times.

In essence, the story of Ruth and Boaz is a beautiful illustration of God’s graciousness at work. It’s a call to both receive and extend grace in your interactions and to trust in the gracious provision of God.

By embodying this attribute, you lead a life marked by generosity, kindness, and a deep trust in God’s unending grace, which paves the way for a triumphant and fulfilling existence.

Why Should We Praise God for His Grace?

Praising God for His graciousness is about recognizing and expressing gratitude for His unmerited favour and generous benevolence towards us. Understanding why and how to praise God for His graciousness can deeply impact your spiritual life:

Why Praise God for His Graciousness?

Unmerited Favour: God’s grace is given freely, not based on our merit or worthiness. This is beautifully expressed in Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 3:24. Praising God for His graciousness means acknowledging His unconditional love and generosity.

1. Gift-Like Nature of Grace: Grace is a gift from God, emphasizing His kindness and love (Romans 6:23, James 1:17). Praising Him for His graciousness recognizes the gifts He bestows upon us that we cannot earn or repay.
2. Abundance of Grace: God’s grace is not limited but abundant and generously poured out upon us (2 Corinthians 9:8, Ephesians 1:7-8). Praising God for His graciousness acknowledges the richness and generosity of His blessings.
3.  Foundation of Our Relationship with God: Grace underpins our salvation and ongoing relationship with God. Praising Him for this grace acknowledges its fundamental role in our spiritual life.