[SeptemberMorn]

God's Grace; something I had extreme difficulty accepting and understanding.

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (English Standard Version)

8Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Main Entry: Grace
Function: noun

1 a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification b : a virtue coming from God c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace See also favor

Main Entry: Favor
1 a (1) : friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior (2) : approving consideration or attention See also leniency

Main Entry: Leniency
1 : the quality or state of being lenient
2 : a lenient disposition or practice
synonym see MERCY

Main Entry: mer·cy
Function: noun
Pronunciation: 'm&r-se
1 a : compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power ; also : lenient or compassionate treatment <begged for mercy> b : imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder
2 a : a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion b : a fortunate circumstance <it was a mercy they found her before she froze>
3 : compassionate treatment of those in distress <works of mercy among the poor>
- mercy adjective
- at the mercy of : wholly in the power of : with no way to protect oneself against
synonyms MERCY , CHARITY , CLEMENCY , GRACE , LENIENCY mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion. MERCY implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it <threw himself on the mercy of the court>. CHARITY stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others <show a little charity for the less fortunate>. CLEMENCY implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing <the judge refused to show clemency>. GRACE implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions <by the grace of God>. LENIENCY implies lack of severity in punishing <criticized the courts for excessive leniency>.

[seeker1950]

Hi, Sept...
Thank you for posting about this. I have actually experienced God's grace a few times in my life. It is a gift, but not given freely or casually. Grace is a gift, something which can't be explained in logical or human terms. From my limited experience, I would characterize it as "supernatural," but please do not be turned off by that term. I use this term to mean it cannot be explained. When I have experienced grace, it has been when I am focused on my spirituality with extreme gratitude toward God, something I have lacked for many years now. It is wonderful when it happens....a true gift.
Patty

[moodyblu]

Amen.
Ephesians 2- 8,9.
For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Not of works ...lest any man should boast.
One of the first verses that I learned as a Christian.
Beautiful!
m.b.

[SeptemberMorn]

I've experienced God's grace myself quite a few times, but it hasn't been that long ago that I just didn't understand it, much less accept it.

When my mom passed away 22+, one of the sympathy cards had that written in it, "His grace is sufficent to you". My instant reaction was "HUH??? And just how it that going to help me??" I even asked my minister at the time. He must not have known either because I never got a straight answer from him.

I understand a lot better now.

[(JD)]

Yes I think the best shortest definition is Unmerited Favor. When He favors us with something good for which we do not deserve, or withholds some punishment that we do deserve. Then, He has shown us grace.

[SeptemberMorn]

Those two words is what finally drove it home for me!! Thank you, Sky!