Grace Is Kindness That’s Freely Given

Last week, Carolyn and I went out for dinner at Cracker Barrel. The wait for a table was long but we were finally seated. The food was good, and when we were ready to leave, the waitress came by to tell us that our meal had already been paid for. We asked “who” and she said the table across from us but that table had already left. We didn’t know them and they didn’t know us, but they freely gave.

Paul’s epistles have greetings and benedictions and often they use the word grace. Grace is a translation of the Greek word charis. Charis is in II Corinthians 8 seven times. Charis can be translated “the privilege”, “thanks”, and “the offering”.

Paul is telling us about the true nature of love. Paul is saying that love is sacrificial. The basis for giving is the sacrificial heart of Jesus himself. Jesus left heaven to come to earth to be a servant and to give His own life. Verse 9 says, “Though he was rich, yet for our sake he became poor.”

There are all kinds of ways to “give” to others. Verse 7 tells us that we need to “excel in this grace of giving.” We all need to meet the needs of others. Remember – Grace is kindness that is freely given.

Prayer – God show us who needs to be lifted up this week. Guide our paths to give us opportunities to bless others in Your name. Amen.

II Corinthians 7: But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in the grace of giving.

Auhor: Tommy Herndon