Say Grace

When I was a kid growing up in GA, I attended Solid Rock Academy in Riverdale. It was an amazing experience for many reasons. It was a major part of where and how I “grew up.” It was a space where I engaged in many different things that impacted my life and who I would become. From something as simple as reciting the books of the Bible prior to the pledge of allegiance to remembering Mr. Shepherd’s ham being served every Thursday, there are some things I will simply never forget…and some things I’d rather forget. The “whoopins” we would receive (in love, of course) from ALLL of our teachers stays with me. In particular, our music teacher appeared to enjoy the “sing along” spanking he would give to anyone getting in trouble in his; doing to so to singing sensation Baby Face’s hit song “Whip Appeal” and having the entire class sing along to the lyrics of the chorus as you got what was coming to you.

I’m triggered. Let’s move on shall we?

I will say one of the things I loved most that we did every single day, together in the same space…is say grace. Before breakfast. Before lunch. There was something that always felt satisfying about it (and no. Not just because I was getting ready to exercise fat boy tendencies). I loved the food, yes, but I also loved the time that we spent together, the ability to reflect on our day. I’m surprised at how much those things meant even as a kid. Now, as I look back, I see some similarities on saying grace and how we live our lives as believers. Among these things, I love that saying “Grace” blesses a thing, that it blesses the time together, the hands that prepared it, and how all of it nourishes us. Grace covers a multitude of things in our lives, and likewise it covers a multitude of things in our lives. It would do us some good in figuring out how this applies. So like me doing my best to not be impatient before eating, let’s dive in. Let’s see how this Grace works.

Know That You Are Covered

In a world that often feels uncertain, it's essential to remember that we are covered by grace. This is not just a comforting thought but a powerful truth that shapes how we live our lives. Grace is not merely a concept to understand; it's a reality to embrace and live out daily. When we are in Christ, grace covers us always. This coverage isn't conditional on our behavior or achievements but is rooted in the unchanging love of God. Please remember there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Rom. 8:1 We must continually remind ourselves that our status as children of God means we are securely held by Him, and nothing can separate us from His love. Rom 8:38-39 This truth gives us the confidence to approach God with our needs and desires, knowing that He hears us and will answer according to His will. Heb 4:16 Grace, therefore, is the foundation on which we stand, giving us the assurance that no matter what comes our way, we are covered.

Living Gracefully Starts with Self-Awareness

Living a life marked by grace begins with recognizing our need for it. We must first say grace over ourselves. This means acknowledging our shortcomings, our sins, and our constant need for God’s mercy. It’s not about beating ourselves up but about being honest with ourselves and with God. Self-awareness is key to growth in faith. Just as we bless our food before eating, we must bless our lives with grace before stepping into each day. This practice of self-awareness and self-blessing is not selfish; it's necessary. It allows us to grow, to mature in our faith, and to live in the fullness of what God has for us. We must recognize that grace is not cheap. It calls us to a higher standard of living, one that reflects the love and holiness of God in every aspect of our lives.

Extend Grace to Others

Grace isn't meant to be hoarded; it’s meant to be shared. As recipients of God's grace, we are called to extend that same grace to others. This is often easier said than done, especially when we are wronged or when others fall short of our expectations. I’m convinced that 1 John 5:16-17 might be (at least) one of the most avoided, non-discussed passages in the Bible. I also believe the reason is simple: it doesn’t let our judgmental selves off the hook of GRACE. “16 If you see a fellow believer sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. 17 All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death.” We can unpack the one sin at another time, and let it suffice to say and the record show whatever our preferred sin to condemn is…nine times out of ten it’s probably NOT THAT SIN!! Translation: if we see someone committing a sin our only responsibility is to pray for that person that God will give them life. Period.

Yes, the Bible encourages us to pray for our fellow believers, especially when they are struggling with sin. Grace calls us to lift others up in prayer, to support them in their journey, and to forgive as we have been forgiven. No. Questions. Asked. :-) This practice of extending grace transforms not only our relationships but also our communities. It builds a culture of love, forgiveness, and mutual support, where grace is not just a word but a way of life. In a world that often seeks to condemn and punish, the act of saying grace over others is a radical, countercultural stance that mirrors the heart of God.

Living in Grace Secures Our Future

Finally, living a life marked by grace secures our eternity. Grace is not just about the here and now; it’s about our eternal destiny. The assurance that we belong to God and that we are in fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ gives us a secure future. This grace doesn't just save us; it transforms us, preparing us for eternity with God. It’s a reminder that our life here on earth is just the beginning. As we live out our days, saying grace over our lives and the lives of others, we are participating in something much bigger than ourselves. We are part of God’s eternal plan, and in Him, we have everything we need for life and godliness and our ability to secure the glorious end He desires for all of us. All 2 Pet. 3:9. As we gather together, much like saying grace over a meal, we affirm our shared hope in Christ and our collective journey toward eternity. Or, like when I was a kid at the amazing Solid Rock Academy with the other kids during breakfast and lunch, we say grace together.

This shared grace is what binds us together and what propels us forward in faith. I encourage you…do all you can to live a life that says Grace.

— Jordan Brown

Pastor (Ministries and Outreach) [OV] Church