And when they knew (perceived, recognized, understood, and acknowledged) the grace (God's unmerited favor and spiritual blessing) that had been bestowed upon me... (Galatians 2:9, AMP)
Did you know that God’s grace—His hand, His anointing, His favor, His blessing and His gifts upon you—can be perceived, recognized, understood and more importantly acknowledged? The idea in this verse is that God’s gifts of grace—His influence, favor and benefits—upon our lives can be known by experience. By association and observation, others should be able to recognize the grace upon our lives and we should perceive the grace upon others.
Let’s talk about it…
You: When you endeavor to determine what God has “graced” you to be and do, ask these questions: What have people perceived about you? What types of things do they recognize in you? What is understood about how God has wired you? What do they say? Perhaps you've heard things like: You are so good with kids. You have a mind for managing money. You’re a good communicator. You seem so organized. You’re creative. You’re such a calming, peacemaker. You seem to have a gift for being a good host or hostess. You are so generous. You really connect with students. You are great at strategic thinking. You’re full of mercy. You have a way with words. You’re really good at singing about the Lord. You’re a leader. What types of things have you heard over the years? What do people seem to “know” about you? These things are good indicators of the grace of God on your life. Perhaps, it’s time you embraced and acknowledged those graces.
Others: What do you know or notice about those around you? Have you perceived a special gift or anointing on someone’s life? Do you recognize God’s hand or see a unique talent in someone? Do you understand the way someone is wired? If so, acknowledge those gifts and let them know! It’s a crazy thing about us human beings, but often we are not as secure as we project ourselves to be. Therefore, when others perceive, recognize or see God’s grace upon our lives—it’s a huge encouragement when they acknowledge it by telling us! Think about it—when was the last time someone told you they saw God’s hand on you in this area or that area? Did that encourage you or confirm some things to you? How long has it been since you told someone what you perceived about them?
Today, why not acknowledge God’s grace on your own life and on the people around you?
Say It: “Father, help me to perceive, recognize, understand and acknowledge the grace gifts of God in my own life and in the lives of those around me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
