John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Some years ago a teacher looked at me in church and asked, “And what is grace?” He was looking for the textbook answer, unmerited favor. I was and probably always will be one who gives my understanding heart the opportunity to speak. I answered “The manifestation of God’s great love to me in this life.”

Look at John 1:14 again. We beheld His glory. Glory is the essence of who God is, manifested in the person of Jesus Christ. Full of grace and truth are glory essentials and should not be dismissed with quick answers. The issues of grace and truth are inexhaustible in form, context and effect. They deserve more respect than “Thanks for the favor.”

I don’t want to be the guy that is always looking for a favor. I do not want to reduce grace to a sound bite. Grace is very meaningful, very powerful, and life changing. Grace deserves respect. Grace is the essence of who God is in Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:3-7 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Like Paul here in the opening verses of Romans, we have received grace and a position. He was an apostle, our positions vary, but they all come with grace and responsibility. Obedience of faith is our responsibility in position. Paul extends grace and peace to the Romans by the authority of his position in Christ. Paul received grace and Paul extended grace.

It is so easy to overlook in these greeting, but he does it over and over again. Our example to understand the issues and powers of grace are in this very greeting. Grace received is grace extended.

1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.