Adding the rich descriptor of manifold to the sentiment of grace enhances the eloquence, like placing a crown on its noble heritage The two words seem destined to complement one another. And sitting for a spell within the meaning of both in relation to God disarms my heart.
The emotional nourishment strengthens and clears the dissonance which tends to resonate from my grace weary, pride heavy, sinful heart. I’m compelled to crawl into the words, snuggle up against the blanket of Divine favors God calls me to steward.
Mark Batterson tells us in, If: Trading Your If Only Regrets for God’s What If Possibilities,
“Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve. And within each, there are infinite varieties. That’s why it’s called, ‘the manifold Grace of God’.”
How often do we forget we aren’t getting what we deserve because of mercy? And how many times do we overlook the blessing of getting what we don’t deserve; grace?
When it comes to putting a number on my oversights, I can’t count that high. But I don’t think Jesus ever claimed living the Gospel was a breeze. If He did declare easy peesy, then I beg to differ. Please accept my apologies in advance, Mr. Jesus. And daughter, spouse, in-laws: please forgive my poor example.
Grace.
The word alone contains enough spiritual undercurrent to change the world.
Manifold grace.
The emboldening adjective makes it impossible for us to hide from the implications.
Each one of us receives a special gift for serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God May we all remember our inherited pardons, and pass them along to others, especially when doing so is a challenge.
Kindle the kindness, crazy Mommas!
***
This post originally appeared at ShelbySpear.com.
