Faith

What Does It Mean To Be Gracious?

by Curt Klingeman
05/08/22
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What does Gracious Mean?

   In the Hebrew, gracious means to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior. It is to favor or show favor; to be inclined towards or, to be favorably inclined. It also points to being compassionate and merciful (Strong’s numbers 2537 CHANNUWN; 2603 CHANAN [root of 2537]).

   In the Greek, gracious is derived from another word that means to furnish what is needed. In Scripture, it is rendered as “better”; “easy”; “good”; “goodness”; “gracious,” and “kind” (Strong’s number 5543, CHRESTOS).

   Gracious means to be profitable, fit, or good for any use. Figuratively it means to be good, gentle, easy to use or bear. In a moral sense it refers to being honorable, useful, good, or virtuous. In relation to persons, it means useful to others; hence, good natured, good, gentle, mild or pleasant. It is to be actively benevolent, kind or compassionate in spite of ingratitude.

What does Gracious Look Like?

   How do we align with this word? Do you consider yourself to be a gracious person? The textbook definition of the word looks fairly obvious in it meaning; however, let’s put it in context with the Bible, then revisit this question. The Example of being gracious is God. In fact, it’s one way He does describes Himself as being.

   Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him (Moses), and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.

   Notice He listed His being gracious along with being merciful, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. This is pure benevolence toward humanity. Read Psalm 86:15. Here you will find also He is full of compassion in conjunction with what we read in Exodus.

   Psalm 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

   Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him.

   How often do we discuss waiting on the Lord? Has it ever occurred to you that He waits on us well. Moreover, He is waiting to be gracious toward humanity. It’s a disposition in which to take to heart. He goes out of His way to be gracious. What if we as believers took on that same quality? What would happen if we looked for every opportunity to be gracious to another human being?

   For instance, when waiting in a long line at the checkout counter, instead of merely exercising patience, we look to be kind to those around us, especially the one behind the counter. It’s one way to connect others to the love of God. Gripe or be gracious, it’s our choice.

   Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind (gracious) unto the unthankful and to the evil.

   Being gracious to others does not depend on their attitude; in fact, it is kindness exhibited in spite of their attitude. Think about it: God is even gracious to the ungrateful, as well as those who are evil. Moreover, Jesus exhorts us to be of the same mind: Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful (Luke 6:36). It’s difficult to co-labor with God for His Kingdom if we don’t adopt this principle as our own! Remember, it is His goodness (kindness or graciousness) that leads to repentance (see Romans 2:4).

   Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind (gracious) one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

   Being gracious means being tenderhearted, and ready to forgive others. It looks for an excuse to be kind and benevolent. Of course, it doesn’t require an excuse, much less, someone asking us to be gracious toward him or her. As Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give.”

   So, do you consider yourself a gracious person?

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