“And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth’” (Exod. 34:6 NKJ).
Grace has a spiritual anatomy, or structural makeup! This is so important if we are to have a complete picture of what the Bible calls “grace.” The word “grace” in itself is used in the scriptures in different ways, and sometimes is not associated with the grace of our salvation. However, even when it refers to the saving grace, the term is used to refer to different aspects of the operations of grace.
The scripture above teaches us that our God is merciful and gracious. Grace and truth is used to describe the fullness of God that dwelt in Christ (John 1:14; Col. 2:9). Grace is God’s very nature expressing itself in bountifulness and favor. This is the first anatomic part of grace. The second sequential dimension of grace is the revelation, or the coming of grace to humanity. Jesus is God’s grace revealed. He does not only bring grace, but is the fullness of the grace of God. Grace is the Person of Jesus Christ, and the cross is the grace of God in manifestation. The third anatomic component of grace is the operation of God in our lives with its visible effects. The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Grace, and comes to operate in us to make us completely what God has made us to be by grace. Grace is the power of God operating in us, with manifestations such as joy, freedom, healing, or ministry gifts such as prophecy. The fourth dimension of grace is the human response. Grace is our offering of praise and thanksgiving to God in response to the amazing grace He has bestowed upon us. In fact, the Greek word translated as “grace” (charis) can also be translated as “thanks” or “thanksgiving.” God wants you to live in the entire anatomic framework of grace!
MEDITATE
Think on the four dimensions of grace, and examine which are fully functional in your life.
APPLY THE WORD
Praise is an expression of grace, which is your response to God for His wonderful favor. Why don’t you spend this day just praising and thanking God for the gift of grace in your life?
PRAY
Ask the Lord to help you experience the full measure of the grace of God in your life.
Recommended Read: How to grow in grace
Must Read!: What is a Daily Devotional?
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