“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (II Corinthians 8:9)
Money is getting tight! People get less quality and quantity for higher prices. At the same time, some wages increase minimally, at best. Many are tightening their belts, especially their money belts. Some have to really shop frugally, while others pretend they are poor, all the while secretly enjoying a fat wallet.
Enter the biblical word “grace!” If I were to give you only one synonym for this word that occurs more than 200 times in the Bible, I would choose the term “generosity!” To say that you believe in God’s grace and keep the dough to yourself is to deny its meaning. Do you realize how generous God really is? So generous, that He gave His Son’s life for you! So generous, that He provides eternal life for all who believe Him. That’s why it is said of Jesus that He is “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). I can’t even begin to tell you how generous (gracious) God is – – He is full of grace (generosity) and truth!
I am a blest man: I have friends who spend much time helping me maintain my home. I have friends who bring us stuff from the store. Then there are several who show their love for us by giving us financially, and we never ask for it. Some frequently make us meals and snacks. Another kind neighbor and friend has mowed our lawn for several years, never asking for payment. And the list goes on!!! All of these folks and others have displayed their understanding of the grace of God. These are all illustrations of God’s marvelous, infinite grace!
Many have heard of Eliezer Scrooge – – made known by Charles Dickens in his famous work A Christmas Carol. He was a miser or penny-pincher. Thank God that there are many who have shunned his kind of lifestyle. I know of a number of folks who devote their talent, time and treasure to others. Some people may call them “philanthropists,” while I choose to call them “gracious!” I met such a volunteer today at the dollar store. He was wheeling a handicapped man in a wheelchair through the aisles. I immediately recognized the man in the wheelchair – – he’s my brother! That’s grace!
Teacher - Feature 