Word of the Week: GRACE

Many of us grew up with the definition of grace as “unmerited favor.” Several years ago I was introduced to and adopted a different definition that I believe more accurately reflects the original Greek.

The definition that I use for the word grace is this:

“The empowering Presence of God enabling you to be who He created you to be and to do what He created you to do.” 

Consider this definition when you read 1 Corinthians 15:10 

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

The Greek word for grace in this passage is “charis.” Strong’s Concordance says that “charis” can be interpreted in the abstract or concrete, as literal, figurative, or spiritual. All use the same definition, which is, 

“The divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life.” 

So, do the two definitions line up? Let’s see. 

The Greek says, “The divine influence.” My definition says, “The empowering Presence of God.”

The Greek says, “Upon the heart.” My definition says, “Enabling you to be who God created you to be.”

The Greek says, “And its reflection in the life.” My definition says “And to do what He created you to do.” 

The conclusion is that looking at grace as God’s empowering Presence in our lives does in fact fit with the Greed definition of the word “charis” which is translated ”grace” in English.

I invite you to check this out for yourself. Go to your favorite “grace” scripture verese and think about God’s empowering Presence. I believe Holy Spirit will open scripture to you in new ways and bring an even deeper understanding of His grace.