Grace is often a virtue that is often undervalued in today. Our society is often so caught up with ourselves, that we find it difficult to be gracious when something doesn't go our way. However, grace is so important.
What is grace?
"Sweetness and grace, Madison, sweetness and grace."
I can't tell you how many times I heard my mom say that in my lifetime. But what really is grace? Vocabulary.com has a few different definitions, but these are my favorite:
1. A state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
2. A sense of propriety and consideration for others
3. A disposition to kindness and compassion
It's not always easy to have grace.
If it was easy, my mom wouldn't have had to remind me so often as a child, or even now. In fact, being gracious when you feel wronged is one of the hardest things in the world to do. It's hard to have empathy and compassion for those who have hurt you. Putting yourself in their shoes and forgiving them when they do not deserve your forgiveness is a challenge.
However, your true character shows when things don't go your way. How you handle yourself in a moment of crisis is a reflection of who you truly are deep down. When you show grace to others when they've wronged you, they notice. Having a disposition to kindness and compassion is absolutely everything.
Furthermore, giving yourself a little grace is important as well. You can't always be so hard on yourself and you need to learn to cut yourself some slack sometimes.
I started thinking about grace while watching "The Bachelor."
I know, who would have thought? If you watched last week’s “Bachelor” episode, you’ll know that Arie had a two on one date with Krystal and Kendall. From the very beginning, I was convinced that Krystal would manipulate Arie into giving her the rose and Kendall would go home.
Well, sure enough, Krystal gave it her best effort. In her one on one conversation with Arie, she decided to talk to him about why Kendall should go home instead of focusing on her own relationship with him. She took the opportunity to tear down another girl when she was feeling insecure.
However, when Kendall found out what Krystal did she didn't yell or scream. She didn't call her mean names or throw a fit. Instead, she extended grace. She empathized with Krystal because she was able to put herself in Krystal's position and she understood her insecurity.
People don't talk about grace enough, but they should.
Grace is everything that's good in this world. If you have a disposition to kindness and compassion, consideration for others, and are under the divine influence of God, you can't go wrong. Always be a little kinder than is necessary. Kindness never goes out of style.
