Concepts of Grace

If we look at the Christian interpretation of what grace is we get a better glimpse into its overall meaning and understanding to many.

Grace /ɡrās/

noun

• 1.simple elegance or refinement of movement:”she moved through the water with effortless grace”synonymselegance, stylishness, poise, finesse, charm, … moreantonymsstiffness, inelegance
• 2.courteous goodwill:”at least he has the grace to admit his debt to her”synonymscourtesy, courteousness, politeness, manners, good manners, … moreantonymseffrontery

verb

• 1.do honor or credit to (someone or something) by one’s presence:”she bowed out from the sport she has graced for two decades”synonymsdignify, distinguish, add distinction to, add dignity to, honor, … more

So grace in biblical parlance is the forgiveness and rebirth given to believers by god. How this has evolved in our culture is to extend grace to those who might otherwise be in a lesser position then you. This can be giving alms to the poor, this can be helping the elderly, this can be teaching the young.

It is important not to confuse Grace with Mercy. Mercy is the act of extending forgiveness to those who, for the most part is within your power to harm. A classic example Is not delivering a finishing blow to a defeated opponent.

For many pagans our allowance for grace falls under our concepts of fate. Meaning, fate places me in a position the grant enact grace. Fate is a series of choices set before you with outcomes derived from the choices made.

Regardless of where you fall on the spiritual spectrum, we are at a point in western society where we have reached, I hope, the peak of our discord. We have been unkind to one another for decades now, if not centuries. Now is the time to enact some grace, if you can. Yes that means your interactions online as well.

Take the time to really examine how you are interacting with people, what you say, even online can have a profound effect on others you don’t know and will never meet.

Are you choosing grace over negativity?