In Acts 11, Barnabas was sent to Antioch. This was said about his experience in verses 23 and 24: “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.” I found it curious that he “had seen the grace of God…” This made me ask the question, “What does Grace look like?”
Does Grace have a certain look? Is there a specific action which lets the onlooker know this is Grace? How do we know when we have seen Grace? Have you seen the Grace of God? Let’s look into this for a moment.
In Ephesians 1:15 – 16 Paul writes, “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;” The Ephesian church had such a reputation for their Faith and Love, Paul was compelled to pray for their wisdom, understanding, knowledge, enlightenment, hope, power, and more. The Colossian church had a similar reputation (Colossians 1:4 – 8).
We are saved “by Grace, through Faith…” (Ephesians 2:8) Our Faith in Christ is the door by which we enter His Grace. A true revelation of His Grace will bring about something absolutely beautiful; love for one another. Once I had an understanding of the forgiveness I received, it became natural to forgive others when they wronged me. When I understood the love which was poured out on me, it became my nature to show kindness to those around me.
“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4) How do we normally see the goodness of God? There are times where God shows His mighty hand in the life of a person. More often than not, His goodness shows up in our lives as a person. He places people in our lives to bring us a kind word, a shoulder to cry on, a hug when we feel alone, a warm smile when we feel invisible, even a word of truth we really don’t want to hear (repentance means to change your mind). God’s goodness normally comes to us via a person just like you.
Have I seen the Grace of God? As I write this, God’s Grace is next to me on the sofa playing a game on her phone. God’s Grace is downstairs laughing together as they play a video game. God’s Grace was with us this morning as we had a special church service in the park and people shared from their hearts. God’s Grace was in the kind words from new friends. The Grace of God is visible by the LOVE of God we share with each other.
Have you seen the Grace of God?
I encourage you to reflect the Grace of God by your love for one another.
DAN TURNER JR. 