Grace…

Do you know her? She’s that elegant, refined word setting over there; so regal and poised among the other words milling around. Grace is easily recognized as when she enters everything gets a bit quieter. She is the synonym of class and you can tell, just by the way she moves.

She began her career in “Middle English” from Anglo-French, Latin; meaning: gratis favor, charm and thanks. Grace however was to refined for “Middle English” and began making appearances in some of the nicer, more upscale, classier establishments. Due to her elegance and courtliness, she quickly moved up in the ranks to a title of royalty. “Your Grace” as she was now known. This term used as in the English style, addressing high-ranking personages.

This was quite an honor for Grace but she wasn’t done there. She was soon noticed by God. He came to her one afternoon as she was enjoying high tea, He told her, he had been watching her; her behavior and treatment of other words lesser than her; and had a position and new title if she was interested, that of ; “The Keeper of the Unmerited, Unearned Love and Favor of God.” You will be in fact working in the Love Department beside Mercy and Favor. An honor bestowed upon few, she accepted immediately.

Ephesians 4:7 NCV “Christ gave each one of us the special gift of grace, showing how generous he is.”

2 Peter 1:2 NCV “Grace and peace be given to you more and more, because you truly know God and Jesus our Lord.”

Grace, as you have learned is pure class and refinement so it would be remiss of her not to at least introduce her two partners; Favor and Mercy!

Favor…His role most often is: partiality, leniency, kindness, aid or assistance, a token of love, a special privilege or right granted.

Psalms 30:5 NLT “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime.”

Proverbs 8:35 NIV “For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.”

The trio wouldn’t be complete without our loving Mercy: full of compassion and forbearance shown, lenient or compassionate treatment, humanity, kindness, having a warmth of heart.

Hebrews 4:16 NCV “Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.

Ephesians 2:4-5 NCV “But God’s mercy is great, and he loved us very much. Though we were spiritually dead because of the things we did against God, he gave us new life with Christ. You have been saved by God’s Grace.”

So you see, the three truly belong together and make up one of God’s most elite…Grace, Favor and Mercy. I hope you will take the time to get to know these 3 as they are remarkable to hang around with. They are the best in parking lots, you know that spot right in front that just magically opened up…that my friend is a small sign of grace, favor and mercy!!! Mostly grace and favor…Mercy if it’s raining 😉

It’s Sunday, my most favorite day of the week. I don’t know if your skies are full of sun, snow, smoke or pounding rains. I pray for you peace in your spirit and joy in your heart. Be Safe and thank you for joining me this morning. 🥰