Extending Grace
Thursday, December 6th, 2007
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Several guys and myself have been reviewing a sermon by Joseph Stowell on grace titled "Growing up to be like Jesus".
Durring our discussion last night reviewing the 3rd part of the sermon, we covered Stowell's 8th point on Kalos.
Kalos the greek word for the visible outward expression of grace. Jesus' love of beggars, adulterers, and all forms of undesireables was the definition of Kalos. Two questions that Joe asks are "When was the last time you received grace from someone?" and "when was the last time you expressed grace to someone (kalos)?".
Well, today I experienced both. While grabbing some food in the food court of the Atlanta international terminal, I was standing behind a US Army soldier. His credit card was not swiping for some reason and several attempts by the cashier were unsuccessful. I had plenty of cash on me so I simply offered to cover his meal. After all, I assumed he was probably being deployed to Afganistan or Iraq and, therefore had done much more for me than I was doing for him.
I then bought my meal and proceeded to sit down. The same soldier was walking behind me and wasn't heading to sit with anyone else, so I invited him to join me. He did join me and I enjoyed the chance for some company.
 The soldiers name was Jason Chavis a PFC in the US Army assigned to transportation support in Iraq. He was going back for the 2nd half of his tour, another 11 months. I know it was a blessing to me to talk to Jason. Even though our meeting was brief, it was enlightening to meet someone serving on the ground in Iraq. I had the chance to ask him about his feelings about his going back to Iraq and about our being there as a country. It takes a certain kind of strenght that I doubt I have to go serve in a foreign land when you would rather be back home in Virginia.
I say all that to say that God truly places opportunities for giving and receiving grace all around us. Grace (unearned/unmerrited favor) was embodied in my purchase of that one simple meal. That was kalos grace directed at Jason as an individual. I received grace from Jason indirectly by his service in Iraq a grace benefitted by everyone made safer by Jason's mission. Regardless of the purpos/outcome of that war, Jason is there acting out grace through his work.
It is only by reflecting on this after the fact that I see the grace in the situation and that encourages me. I pray that my heart grows more Christlike as I understand him more and part of that growth should be reflected in my everyday actions. I see that Gods grace is indeed working in my life and thats how it shoul be...no, that's how it has to be.
We are saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9) but faith without works (kalos) is dead (James 2*****). Our cup only truly stays full if we pour it out into the cups of others.
My prayers go out to Jason, his twin brother (also in the service) and all the other troops serving for us in lands where their very lives are put on the line for us. |
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I dig it! I am glad your trip is going well. I can see the study has allowed your understanding and recognition of God's grace to be so apparent during your trip. Jason was both and opportunity for you to share God's love but also to receive it and give his divine assurance for the trip. Pray On and enjoy! |
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Posted by Andy Merl (email) @ 12/10/2007 10:13 PM |
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