Nougat 16

Good morning

Today’s Holy Nougat is a wonderful invitation to (re)start our day

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” Philippians‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

These are the last words in the letter to the Philippians. A letter that repeatedly instructed the church to rejoice and to be of one mind. A letter which began with a somewhat similar sentiment. What must have been going on? The clues in the letter indicate that they were not always in agreement about their understanding of the faith; and it spilled over into their interpersonal interactions.

Interestingly enough, we see nowhere an encouragement to go their separate ways; rather they are encouraged to resolution of their differences. From that we can conclude that the beautiful benediction of grace, was also a reminder to them that they also should apply grace to each other.

What then is this grace offered in the blessings? And how does it work?

Transliterated from the Greek ‘charis’, grace speaks to exceptional favour, it most often refers ”to God freely extending Himself (His favor, grace), reaching (inclining) to people because He is disposed to bless (be near) them” (Strong’s concordance). Grace therefore has nothing to do with Who we are, Where we’re from, What we own (or not), or even the nature of our character or bank accounts. It doesn’t matter whether we hang in the right crowd or not; it is about Who extends it.

Some say grace is unmerited (ie undeserved) favour. And it is. From the beginning of Creation, Go has been providing for, protecting and preserving humanity despite our actions and ingratitude. It is available to us in each breath we take, even during this pandemic, just by virtue of our being alive. It’s available in the favour we receive from another when we least expect it; and even when life isn’t going as we hoped. And, when we violate God’s laws, it is grace that saves us from immediate damnation. So, some see grace as “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense”. (Got it G-R-A-C-E = grace).

This benediction then is a reminder to the church that even in the face of the fears, the faults and even the failed interpersonal relationships, what kept them going was the favour of God. The extension of God’s love to provide for, protect and preserve … despite. It is the same grace that is available to you and me today.

No matter what we are undergoing.

And when applied to our spirits, we have hope; for we realize that no matter what we face – Covid-19 or other crisis, God is in our midst, and it is well.

May God’s grace also be in our spirits.

In Christ’s love and grace . . .