The Epitome of Grace

How to be the epitome of grace when going through unpleasant or difficult circumstances.


What exactly does the phrase "epitome of grace" mean?  A quick Google search yielded this definition:

a person or thing that is typical of or possesses to a high degree the features of a whole class; embodiment:

The Epitome of Grace in the Royal Kingdom


I thought I would first share a "real-life" example of someone who, in my opinion, was the epitome of grace as the world would probably look at the use of that title...

I think I might be the only person who was taken by surprise that there was a royal wedding in the offing.  I was like, wait, whose getting married??  lol.

I really don't know anything about Meghan Markle, except what I saw when I watched a replay of the royal wedding.

To me, she was the epitome of grace.  Truly amazing to be the sole focus of attention in a very important position both in the moment and historically, yet gliding down the aisle and riding through the streets of Windsor with all the poise and grace of a seasoned royal.   She brought honor to the name she will now carry, Duchess of Sussex.

In researching for this blog post, I discovered that she did indeed have "Princess Training", which includes royal etiquette training in the the Windsor wave, the royal greeting, the Duchess slant (placement of legs when sitting), the Cambridge Cross (again placement of the legs), utilizing utensils, the curtsy and tea time.

Training or not, I feel as though Duchess Meghan passed with flying colors!

The Epitome of Grace in God's Kingdom


So... are we the epitome of Grace as servants of God?  Do we "possess, to a high degree, the features of a whole class; embodiment" daughters of the King of Kings and  Lord of Lords?


Do "not receive the grace of God in vain. For he says,

“In a favorable time I listened to you,
    and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,  beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger;  by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left;
2 Corinthians 6:1a-2;4-7


When I think of the great sacrifice the Lord Jesus made on the cross for me and for you - His blood which poured out Grace upon Grace - I ask myself, do I waste this Grace and/or receive it in vain?

We waste the Grace of God when we spend our lives worrying or being afraid. 

Worrying about the past, the present and the future.  Worrying about our marriages, our kids, our jobs, our parents.  Worrying about money, our homes, our cars, etc., etc.,

Afraid to step out in Faith for the Lord Jesus; afraid to serve in an area outside our comfort zone; afraid to serve at all...

{In my blog post, The Antidote for Feeling Like a Failure, which you can read HERE,  I shared the true definition of Grace and how to practically receive and give grace.}

Once we understand and apply the true definition of God's grace, there is no reason to worry or be afraid because God's unmerited favor is upon us.

The Epitome of Grace in Affliction


The Apostle Paul teaches us that when we receive the Grace of God as He intended it, we, as servants of God, commend ourselves in every way, by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, sleepless nights, and hunger...

The Google definition of endurance defines it as follows:

the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way

The Apostle Paul is saying no matter what unpleasant or difficult circumstance we are going through, we should do so without giving way, for in so doing, non-Believers will look at us and marvel and say, she is the epitome of God's Grace which will ultimately bring Glory to God.

There are those I'm sure we all have come in contact with that are the epitome of God's Grace in their daily lives.  Those soft spoken, humble, sweet servants of the Lord who emulate the Apostle Paul's list of examples through purity, knowledge, kindness, genuine love, truthful speech where the Holy Spirit shines forth and the power of God is evident.

However, that is the key.  For it is not in our own power that we exhibit the characteristics of Grace.  If that were the case, we have received the Grace of God in vain by operating in our own strength rather than in the Grace-filled strength of the Holy Spirit.  God is not glorified when we are doing things for our own name's sake.

Our Weapons of Righteousness are only received through the Grace of God by the power of the Holy Spirit - the weapons of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control - all empower us to live a life that is pleasing to God by thwarting Satan's fiery darts and by saying to the world God's Grace is sufficient for me.

We are all "Princess's in Training" for our Great God and King, Christ Jesus!  May the Word of the Lord train us in all Righteousness so that the world will see that we are epitome's of God's Grace who bring honor and Glory to God the Father.

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Comments

  1. Oh I loved this thought: " For it is not in our own power that we exhibit the characteristics of Grace." It is right where my heart is dwelling these days, as God keeps asking me to let HIM be my all-sufficiency. It is not an easy lesson, but I am so thankful that He is continuing His "Princess-in-training" in me through it all. Blessings!

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    1. Hi Bettie, Thank you so much for sharing your heart here. No, it isn't an easy lesson. So thankful for a patient and loving Father.

      Amen!

      Thanks so much for stopping by. :-)

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  2. Whew! This really, really made me think...."We waste the Grace of God when we spend our lives worrying or being afraid." I have been in an intense battle with worry and fear last night and today. No wonder the Bible says, "fear hath torment." I never thought of it as wasting the grace of God, but that is exactly what I am doing. God, help me to stop and just trust HIM. You are such a dear blessing to me, sweet friend. God bless you abundantly!

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    1. Hi Cheryl, I'm so sorry to here that you have been going through an intense battle with worry and fear. It seems that the Lord is having us go through a similar trial at the same time for just a couple of days before you, I too had an intense battle with worry and fear. And it is such a battle, isn't it?? Indeed, fear does have torment!.

      Amen!

      Praising God that we are going on this Pilgrim journey together. Your encouragement and support mean the world to me!

      Sending you much love and gratitude.

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  3. I'm so thankful for God's grace, especially when I mess up. He's always ready to forgive. And the grace abounds as He works through us so that we can shine for Him, not in our strength but His! Blessings to you! I'm your neighbor at #TrekkingThru. Interesting to read about Meghan as she made ready for the the royal wedding.

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    1. Hi Gayl, Amen!

      Thank you so much for stopping by. I always enjoy your visits. :-)

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  4. I enjoyed your post & feel somewhat challenged by it too, how am I spending the grace that has been bestowed upon me...mmmmm with grace as a daughter of God the Father I pray.

    You're most welcome to drop by for a cup of inspiration,
    Jennifer

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    1. Hi Jennifer,

      Praising God you found enjoyment here. :-)

      Thanks so much!

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  5. I grew up trained to live in fear - and am so glad I now live in grace, trusting God instead of the monster fear! We are, indeed, princesses in the Kingdom, living under his protection!

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    1. I'm so sorry to hear that you grew up trained to live in fear. That experience must actually make you appreciate the Grace of God with even greater joy. Praise Him that He redeems everything in our lives.

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  6. I never want to waste His grace, I know I didn't deserve it and it's been poured out on us, and though I have no plans to start walking with a book on my head, you know society is lacking in teaching of morals and even etiquette. I have had to put shorts on girls with dresses because they can't sit still, and you would not believe the ones I have seen who are not only tomboys but totally unladylike, we all could use some princess training. Why not? We are daughters of the king.

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    1. Hi Rebecca, Thanks so much for adding to the conversation. I appreciate it! :-)

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  7. Beautiful. I love the phrase "Princesses in Training". TFS!

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    1. Hi Amy, Thank you and thanks for stopping by. :-)

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  8. Grace is so precious to me as I have watched God rain His grace upon me these past months as I cared for my husband. God reigned in my heart from the day I travelled to Houston behind the ambulance with an unknown mass inside of him. I handled things like never before. Truly, God held me dearly and near. I feel so blessed and upon reading this today, I feel that God wants us each and all to know His grace, to be the light in this dark world. Thank you.

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    1. Hi Linda, Thank you so much for sharing your poignant story here. I grieve with you in your loss, and rejoice with you that you will one day be reunited in Glory with your dear husband.

      Indeed, God's grace is so amazing, even when we are being stretched beyond what we think we can handle, and then we do, with an incredible peace that is not of this world, but of His.

      Praising God for ministering to you in such a profound way.

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    2. On the wedding, not only Meghan, but I thought her mom sitting there was a picture of elegance and grace. Her smile and pride of her daughter made her face beautiful. Maybe God smiles a huge smile when he watches each of us try our best to be our best. Truth on Grace is such a gift, but at a high cost for our Lord and Savior. Love the phrase that is often heard, Grace plus Nothing. By his grace we are saved. Have a blessed July beginning.

      Peabea from Peabea Scribbles

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    3. Hi Pea Bea, Oh yes! I agree!

      Indeed, I'm sure He does. :-)

      Thanks so much for adding to the conversation.

      I always enjoy your visits!

      Thank you. And you as well.

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  9. Your post gave me a whole new perspective on grace! The definition you provided: "the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way" was vital! I was also stopped in my tracks by your question: Are we wasting God's grace? Thank you so much for your encouraging post that causes reflection and gives instruction and hope!

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    1. Hi Miaismine, Praise God!

      And thank you so much for such a thoughtful comment It means a lot to know that those who read these posts are being edified and encouraged. All Glory to God.

      You are very welcome.

      Thanks for stopping by. :-)

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  10. Hi, I am a Nigerian. My heart has really been heavy for a few days. Just a while ago, I couldn't take it anymore. I was in total years, then I heard the word of God say "Search for epitome of grace in Google", and this post came up first.
    Reading it now has given me much more understanding concerning what I feel right now. God bless you for this.
    3 years after and this post is still ministering to people. Thank you for allowing God use you.

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    1. Thank you so very much for leaving this comment. As Bloggers we can sometimes doubt if what we are doing is truly impacting the Kingdom. When I read how the Lord led you to this post at just the right time, I was in awe and convicted that it isn't about "my blogging", it is about God's power to move whom He chooses to come and visit "my" blog for His good purposes and His will. I will cherish your comment always as a reminder to keep blogging because ALL the results are brought to fruition by our Great God!

      Praise God for the understanding you received here at a time when your heart was heavy.

      You are very welcome!

      All Glory to Him!

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