Heart of a Ready Writer: Gracious – God's character from A to Z

Friday

Gracious – God's character from A to Z

Our glorious God cares greatly for us. He hears our cries and answers with generosity, gentleness, and goodwill. We may not always get the answers we want, but He always gives the answers that are best.

“People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep not more. How gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He will answer you.” (Isaiah 30:19, NIV)

God is gracious.

Let’s unpack that idea for a moment. What is graciousness?

When we describe a person as gracious, we usually mean he or she is agreeable, charming, courteous, elegant, friendly, hospitable, kind-spirited, noble, obliging, pleasing, popular, tactful, and well-mannered.

But the word “gracious” is actually derived from the Latin word “gratia,” which pertains to grace. It’s about benevolence and mercy and compassion and forgiveness and favor.

I think sometimes we confuse gracefulness with graciousness. A ballerina is graceful. A gazelle is graceful. A swimming swan is graceful. God is gracious. Big difference!

God is the One who redeemed us from our sins, our selfishness, and ourselves by sacrificing His own Son in our place. He is the One who calls us to place our burdens, our doubts, our fears, or failings, and or worries in His hands. He is the One who picks us up, again and again, and sets us back on our feet to follow Him.

Thanks be to our most gracious God.