Get Used to the Idea of Abundance

Posted on by Michele Morin

Sunday Scripture

Spring is the season of hyperbole.
Here in Maine, we live in the grip of winter’s clutches long after the calendar makes its equinox announcement–picture a foot of snow the week before Mother’s Day! Therefore, when yellow and green begin to show up in earnest, my eyes can’t take it in fast enough. Descriptive words sparkle like dew on a daffodil.

In my reading of Ephesians 1, I’m learning that Paul the letter-writer felt the same way about God, particularly in response to God’s grace.

He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:5-6)

According to Eugene Peterson, our English word “bestowed” doesn’t even come close to expressing what Paul was driving at in his effervescent Greek. The word he uses for expressing God’s action of bestowing grace is the verb form of the word the angel of the Lord uses to address Mary in Luke 1:28 as God’s “favored one.”

Bestow is actually the noun grace transformed into a verb.
Grace poured out.
Grace like a fire hose.
As Peterson so fluently expresses it:  “In matters of God’s grace, hyperboles are understated.”

As God’s “favored ones,” what is our right response to God’s extravagance?
Well, for starters, let’s get used to the idea of abundance!
And then, let’s extend grace to others with the same extravagance with which we have received it.

Practicing a right response,

Michele (1)

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Published by Michele Morin

Michele Morin is a Bible teacher, writer, reader, and gardener committed to the truth that women can become confident Christ-followers and students of God's Word. She has been married to an unreasonably patient husband for thirty-plus years, and together they have four sons, four daughters-in-love, and six adorable grandchildren. Michele loves hot tea and well-crafted sentences, poems that stop her in her tracks, and days at the ocean with the whole family. She laments biblical illiteracy and advocates for the prudent use of “little minutes.” She blogs at Living Our Days, and you can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

41 thoughts on “Get Used to the Idea of Abundance”

  5. Is this the same verse translated as “lavished upon us”? It’s the same idea anyway – abundance! And I like the sense of honor in the word “bestowed” too. God is so very good to us!

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  6. “Grace like a fire hose.” Ah, I want to soak in that grace all day. I love that our God is one of abundance. Thanks for adding to the extravagance, Michele!

    (Hope this comment doesn’t appear twice. It didn’t show up the first time (and it might not this time?). I’ve been noticing that happening a lot lately. Must investigate soon.)

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  8. I’m loving that image too–“grace like a fire hose!” Praise God for his benevolence and generosity. You’re so right, Michele: our best response is to pass it on–extravagantly. (Lord, keep me mindful!)

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  10. ‘Bestow is actually the noun grace transformed into a verb.’

    Talk about a cause for pause, friend. For consideration, for action, for gratefulness.

    ‘Grace that is greater than all our sin.’

    Amen.

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  11. Reading this post made me think of the song Grace by Jonathan McReynolds. Take a listen when you have a moment. I think you’ll like it…a lot. As he sings, I needed God’s grace more than I thought I ever would. Couldn’t make it without God’s grace. Thank God for grace.

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  12. Grace as a verb! I love that, Michele, thanks for sharing. It’s not always easy to understand, receive, or share this amazing grace, yet I pray that God will help us to eagerly soak it up as we lavishly pour it into the lives of others.

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  14. Thanks for the encouragement. I have been thinking about how open He is with his blessings.

    I am excited to see your corner at ‘My Corner of the World’ this week! Thanks for linking up.

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  16. I read your “picture a foot of snow the week before Mother’s day” out loud and my son said.. “she must live in Maine!” Thanks for sharing with us at Encouraging Hearts and Home. Pinned.

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  18. Grace poured out in abundance? Only through our Heavenly Father! What a great springboard for us to be forgiving and pour our grace out on others.

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  19. Michele,
    Grace like a fire hose – I love this! We can’t even begin to understand God’s unfathomable grace that is poured out on us. Thank you for some word-pictures that begin to capture the essence of God’s great grace.
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

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  20. Thank you for hosting! This is what I featured the week of 6-8 to 6-12 on my blog. On Tuesday was Salsa Roll Ups. Wednesday saw Stuffed Peppers. Thursday was Basic Marinara Sauce. And winding up this Week was Homemade Beef Stew Seasoning. Enjoy!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. ********************************************************
    Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Please stay safe and healthy. Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn
    ********************************************************

    Liked by 1 person

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