Hardening our Hearts or Growing in Grace?

Romans 11:5-6 (NLT) It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.

Our understanding and appreciation of God’s grace is vital for our spiritual health and growth. In fact our spiritual growth is dependent upon how we respond to the goodness and favour of God in our lives. But what does grace mean in the Bible and why is it so important?  The Greek word charis is normally translated grace in the New Testament but what does it mean? Grace has several meanings but primarily it has to do with the undeserved action of God in our hearts. This action of God comes from the lavish, extravagant generosity of God, prompted by God’s loving and compassionate nature. The supreme focus or means by which we receive grace is Jesus who freely chose to come to earth and give his life in sacrificial service and even death on our behalf.

Aristotle, defining charis, said that it is a gift conferred freely, with no prospect of reward, and finds its only motive in the bounty and free-heartedness of the giver. An adequate estimate of grace must see it as the communication of divine love. Cooperation with grace, therefore, is our response to the prior love of God. Another meaning of charis in the Bible is gratitude or thanks. This underlines the importance of our response to God’s undeserved kindness. Our whole lives need to be offered in thankfulness to God for  his loving kindness to us. This responsiveness becomes more self-sacrificing in proportion to our understanding and appreciation of God’s grace. Paul and Peter often bestowed grace and peace to their readers in their letters and as Acts 4:33 says, "great grace was upon them all." When Paul and Peter prayed that grace would increase, they were praying for an expanding work of God in the hearts of His people to give them deeper gratitude and that God would accomplish more in them and through them for His glory.  In other words, they were praying for God’s power and presence to be released in greater measure through God’s grace so that the Kingdom would advance.

Loving Father may we grow in grateful thanks and appreciation of all that you have done for us.