Goodness and Grace

Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. – (John 1:16, NIV)

Yes, the Word was full of grace and truth, and from Him we all received one blessing after another. – (John 1:16, ERV)

From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. – (John 1:16, NLT)

Because God is good, we benefit from the fullness of His grace. Every life, every breath, and every blessing is because of the goodness of God. He knows what we need far better than we do, and His abundance is poured out upon us. For me, when weekends come, I want to go and do and see, as I do not want to “waste” my time off. That being said, God knows what we need. This long weekend, what normally would have been a go, go, go adventure, has instead been one of relaxing, visiting, and resting. This morning, as I woke up close to my normal weekday time, I realized that I felt rested for the first time in quite a while. Had we adventured and been on the go as much as we normally might have, I would be returning home exhausted, rather than going back rested and ready for our second week of school. God’s goodness is all around us, and holds us up if we are willing to let Him in. This morning, I am so thankful for His gracious blessings that have allowed us time with family and rest. May we ever praise Him who provides what we need the most, and thank Him for His goodness and grace.

Because God is good,

We receive His grace;

Blessings and goodness,

Throughout all our days.

He grants us His peace,

As we are in need;

Provides us true rest,

From weariness, freed.

May we ever seek,

For in Him we find;

Love that’s enduring,

Faithful, and so kind.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are fullness, goodness, light and love, and that You bless us with Your grace, peace and rest as we ever seek You. Thank You that You provide what we need, not just what we think we want. Forgive us for not recognizing Your goodness and grace for us all. Teach us to trust and rely on You as You show us Your abundant love. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You and praise You for the fullness of Your goodness and grace for us all. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6

Blessings of Grace

Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. – (John 1:16, NIV)

Yes, the Word was full of grace and truth, and from Him we all received one blessing after another. – (John 1:16, ERV)

And from the overflow of His fullness we received grace heaped upon more grace! – (John 1:16, TPT)

Grace is the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. (dictionary.com) Though we do not deserve it, God freely gives. In the same way that we are given such lavish grace, we are called to do likewise. The more we understand the grace upon grace that we have been given, the more we desire to give the same to those around us. Puppy training is an ongoing saga in our household. We have one extraordinarily intelligent and mischievous pup, and one that is super sweet, yet reactive to other dogs. Much grace is required to remain sane, as we work to train our fur babies to behave and peacefully coexist. When I take pause and think of the lavish grace that God has given and continues to give to me, I find that I am better equipped to be gracious to others. This holds true with the pups and with other humans, as each new day requires much grace. Though there is only One who perfected such grace, we can improve every day as we seek Him. May we ever look to the Lord, our incredible giver of grace, so that we too, may extend grace upon grace to those around us.

It’s freely given,

God’s great gift of grace;

Undeserved favor,

And welcome embrace.

Just as we receive,

We also should give;

Extending goodness,

Each day that we live.

Love that’s undeserved,

Is valued the most;

Beautiful blessings,

From heaven’s own Host.

Show us, Lord Jesus,

To love and give grace;

Embrace all others,

And walk in Your ways.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing grace that You give to us all. Thank You that as we receive, we are equipped to give the same. Forgive us for the times that we have lacked grace in how we have interacted with others. Teach us to love and be full of grace with everyone we encounter. Show us how to love lavishly and without expectations of anything in return. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we receive the grace that You lovingly give, and extend the same to all those around us. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. – 2 Corinthians 1:2