Understated Aspects of Grace

by Hugh DeLong

In writing about the contributions that churches were making in a relief effort for the saints in Judea, Paul writes of grace (cp. II Corinthians 8:1-6). Here, Paul states that God’s grace gave the Macedonian brethren the opportunity to share worldly blessings with others. They responded by begging Paul to allow them the favor (grace) of participating. Paul then speaks of this whole contribution and sharing as ‘this gracious work’.

Then, in the forgiveness of a repentant brother, Paul wrote: “But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ” ( II Corinthians 2:10).

The word ‘forgive’ here is charizomai, a derivative of charis, most often translated ‘grace’. This involves a congregation being gracious, kind, giving – the same attributes as God has that make Him our Gracious God (cp. Exodus 34:6-7).

The background of this command was the discipline exercised against a brother who was openly involved in sin, sin that was even repugnant to the non-Christians in Corinth (cp. I Corinthians 5). The same zeal they had exercised in such discipline is now to be shown in their gracious act of receiving this brother back into fellowship.

A third point: ‘grace’ is involved in all of our knowledge and work! We may not mention the word itself, yet our faithful proclamation of the commandments/teachings of Jesus (including those revealed by His chosen apostles and prophets!) is proclaiming the very grace of God. Such is a test, a test to see if we are obedient in all such teachings: “For to this end also I wrote, so that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things” (II Corinthians 2:9).

Are you emulating God's graciousness in your relationships? Are you as zealous to forgive as you are to rebuke?