Honor and Grace — Carol McLeod Ministries | Find Joy in Your Everyday Life
Honor.
Grace.
“Honor” and “grace” are just two small words.
Honor.
Grace.
They are comprised of only 5-letters each.
Certainly there are more pretentious words in the English language that are magnificently more significant.
Words such as “platform” … “opinion” … or “preference” … have the innate ability to proudly and passionately demand a place for oneself in the culture of today.
Honor.
Grace.
These two words, honor and grace, may seem insignificant or even antiquated in the scheme of modern philosophy but that is just wrong. It is sadly and definitely wrong.
When you apply the power of “honor” and “grace” to every situation in your life you will discover a rich way of living that is ignored by most.
But you are not “most”.
You are a unique individual in the plan and purposes of God.
You have been called to partner with Him in building His Kingdom with His tools by His blueprint.
Honor.
Grace.
If you want to obey the Father, you will demonstrate honor and grace.
If you want to leave a lasting legacy, you will unselfishly give honor and grace.
If you long to live a life of heaven’s approval, you will demonstrate the behavior of honor and grace.
The application of “honor” and “grace” to every relationship and in every situation is potentially the most impactful choice you will ever make.
Honor.
Grace.
In a world that is filled with political tension, differing opinions, generational disparity and racial divide, we have forgotten to acknowledge the high call that is ours in Christ Jesus.
We, as His very own children, have been charged with the unparalleled opportunity to respond with honor and with grace in the face of extreme divergence.
Honor.
Honor is the unconditional respect given to someone who has been made in the image of Christ.
Honor includes a deep appreciation for another’s personhood.
Honor is the ability to value and to respect a man or a woman in spite of philosophical or theological division.
In a “me” driven society, the call to honor one another with respect, humility and integrity has been largely ignored.
Honor plays a powerful role on the pages of scripture. Honor is given to God, to those in authority and to family members.
“Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.” – I Peter 2:17
However, the New Testament presents a higher and more exact call to living a disciplined lifestyle of honor.
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.” – Romans 12:10
The Holy Spirit now calls believers in Christ to honor those in our own peer groups and to honor those who serve us. No one is left out of the lovely circle of the requirement of honor.
“And those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor …” – I Corinthians 12:23
Grace.
The delicate yet enthusiastic gift of grace, also, has been ignored and snubbed even by those who are the beneficiaries of its undeserved benefits.
Grace is the decision to cherish sinners.
“But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” – Romans 5:20
Grace is the attitude that exhibits sweet acceptance to those who have blown it.
Grace is being kinder than you feel and more loving than a person deserves.
Grace is recognizing that everyone has a wounded soul and embracing them in spite of it.
“Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 3:24
Grace is giving to others what God has unconditionally and gladly given to you.
“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” – John 1:16
Grace is, quite simply, honor that has been intimately personalized with friendship and with love.
Grace is kindness reaching out with compassion.
“So that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” – Ephesians 2:7
When your life is a fountain of grace splashing upon a dry and undeserving world, you are acting like Jesus!
Imagine that!!
Grace makes no demands upon the receiver but finds fulfillment in the lavish generosity of bestowal.
Imagine that!!
Grace is often given through the words that we speak or the ideas that we spout.
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29
Do you speak the language of grace? Or do you speak with the tongue of selfishness or pretense?
When a man or a woman chooses to be a grace-speaker, lives are changed and uncommon joy is cultivated.
“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” – Colossians 4:6
Honor and Grace.
Honor is noble while grace is neighborly.
Honor is dignified while grace is delightful.
We all deeply desire to be the recipients of honor and grace but our willingness to grant it is a bit more self-seeking.
Honor and Grace are a foundational aspect of the blueprint of God for all relationships, for every difference and in every situation.
Will you show honor?
Will you live a lifestyle of grace?
You’ll never regret it!
And more importantly … the world will be changed because of one man or one woman’s humble decision to demonstrate honor and grace.
Thanks for listening to my heart this week. As you know by now, my heart is truly not a perfect heart but it is a heart that is filled to overflowing with gratitude for the life I have been given and for the people who walk with me. And, it continues to be a heart that is relentlessly chasing after God and all that He is!
