I recently submitted an article for a book I’m co-authoring on the topic of grace. Revisiting the beautiful gifts of God’s grace in our lives is good for us. It’s refreshing to see how God uses our circumstances and surroundings to draw us to Him and to keep us privy to His goodness and grace. Thank you, Lord.
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Beautiful Gifts: The Look of Grace
Friend, have you ever considered the appearance of grace?
What does it look like to you? Could it be the awakening of a brand-new sunrise? Or, maybe it resembles tears falling from your eyes at the sight of a special loved one. Does it look like an improved medical diagnosis or a clear scan where there once wasn’t one? Perhaps it resembles the first hug after a long separation. Maybe it’s found in a set of unexpected, smiling eyes – the kind of gentleness that lathers everyone with warmth and encouragement.
Beautiful Gifts: The Sound of Grace
Friend, what sounds of grace stand out to you?
Does grace sound like a bubbling brook? Or perhaps a timely tune pouring out hope from your radio? Maybe you hear it in the sound of an “I love you” spoken by a cherished someone. Could it be the piecing together of sounds that produce the word “mama” for the very first time, or the uninhibited giggles of sweet little ones? Is there anything better?
Beautiful Gifts: The Fragrance of Grace
Friend, what fragrances do you encounter each day, and how might they be considered sweet gifts of grace?
Is grace found in the sweet fragrance of freshly cut flowers? Or maybe it’s hiding within your favorite perfume, the one you should’ve never been able to afford. Perhaps to you, grace smells more like hot apple pie or the scent of honeysuckles swaying in the breeze? Or could it be the fresh aroma of morning’s first cup of coffee?
Beautiful Gifts: The Taste of Grace
What does grace taste like in your life today?
Does it taste like the cake your mom always baked for you on your birthday? Or maybe it’s more like the hazelnut latte your husband sat in line for thirty minutes to buy especially for you. Or could it be hidden in a bag of popcorn shared with a best friend during a long-overdue night out?
Beautiful Gifts: The Touch of Grace
Friend, how has God’s grace touched you?
His grace is continually poured over us, making it impossible to escape His goodness. His grace is present in the very air we breathe and in every single blessing we experience. It’s in every second, and third, and fourth chance we’re given. It’s woven into the fabric of every good gift we’re able to give and receive.
Because of His grace we can declare that every day is a gift.
Yes, God’s grace is found in all the gifts we take for granted on a daily basis. But there’s one very special gift we don’t want to miss: the gift of Jesus. The One who came to extend to us the biggest, most beautiful gift of grace ever. The gift of Himself – walking with Him in this life and, if we’re willing, for all of eternity.
This is grace at its finest. This is the beautiful gift of God’s grace. The ultimate gift of grace that makes all other gifts possible.
“From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.” John 1:16-18 (NLT)
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I would love for you to dive into the topic of grace for yourself. If you would like to read more Bible verses on this topic, check out this link – https://openbible.info/topics/gift_of_grace.
Thank you, Sheila, for reminding us of ways we can experience grace. May we never forget the gift of Jesus from whom all blessings flow.
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