Scriptural
Reference:
Colossians 4: 6
6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt,
so that you may know
how to answer everyone.
Romans 5:1-2
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also
obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and
we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
2 Peter 3: 18
18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
Reflection:
There is a lot that can and has been said about Grace. The very
word is packed with meaning and power. It applies to us as an undeserved
gift from God through Jesus, and it applies to us as a way we are
called to share the Gospel with others.
There are references in both the Old and New Testament. On how it
has been shown to the Children of Israel, and later to all of Creation.
We will consider the three verses above as points concerning Grace.
How it is portrayed and how it can be embraced and shared.
In the first of our verses, Colossians 4: 6, we find that we are
called to allow Grace to be fully integrated into our conversations.
To seek ways in which Gods Grace may shape our words. So that we
are able to answer questions concerning the Gospel, as we are presented
with them.
Yet how often are we instead mentally searching for words that make
us look knowledgeable. Words that will impress those around us with
our deep grasp of the Bible and Gospel Message. When in fact we
should loose the ego and let the Holy Spirit flow through us as
the Grace of God gives us the empathy and words needed at the time.
One way of thinking of this is to reflect that the deeper we allow
the Gospel Message to soak into our hearts and minds, the more it
becomes a natural part of us. It becomes a part of our Subconscious
to the point that we are not having to force and search for references.
This submersion of the Gospel into our very Being will be a Scripture
topic for another time. Right now it's suffices to see how it can
help shape the Witness we have.
The second verse mentioned, Romans 5:1-2,
We are said to be justified by Faith and entered into the Grace
of Jesus. What does this mean to us in this crazy Post Modern World.
Well it should mean that we have access to the Grace of Christ.
A Grace that will comfort us and help us through our daily trials
and conflicts. It should mean that we have this Grace through our
Faith in Jesus our Saviour
Would this imply if someone seems to have more Troubles than usual
,and less Grace, that they suffer a lack of Faith? There are times
when this can seem to be the truth. But never forget that Satan
is like a Wild Animal constantly on the prowl and looking for a
weakness. Even in those who not directly being afflicted. Satan
can make people unknowingly become callous and judgmental of others
who seem to be suffering. In such a way that they inadvertently
hide the Grace they should be sharing. The Grace we gain through
our Faith is the same Grace we are called to openly share with each
other.
In the third reference verse, 2 Peter 3: 18, we find a closing blessing.
A calling to the Faithful Believers. To Grow in the Knowledge and
Grace of Jesus. So here we learn that the Grace we receive is not
stagnant. Just like our knowledge of Jesus our Saviour should not
be stagnant. But both should be areas we continue to grow and learn
more about. In these two crucial areas we learn to grow in the Grace
or Love and the Knowledge of Christ. In such a way that we can then
be all the more ready to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit
when it comes time to share or witness for our Faith.
Where have your thoughts and words taken you today? In what ways
have you felt to place your light out in the open for all to see?
or have you been afraid and tended to meekly hide it under a basket
of complacency? Where hopefully nobody will notice and ask awkward
questions
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ,
By Faith we have Grace,
By Grace we are Saved,
And by our Witness,
We are set apart.
Still my thoughts,
Calm my heart,
Help me listen to,
The Holy Spirit.
So that on that day,
When I am challenged,
I may speak yours truth,
And not my weak words.
Amen