But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. (Eph. 4:7)
Expanded Passage: Ephesians 4:7-10
The Puritans had a practice of naming their children after religious values or virtues, a custom not so popular in modern times. We don’t see many girls named Patience, Prudence, Temperance, or Chastity these days, but when we name our daughters Faith, Joy, Hope, or Grace, we owe a debt to the Puritans.
In baby name books, “grace” is typically defined as effortless skill, charm, or refinement, but for the Christian, the word has infinitely deeper significance. Grace is the unmerited, unearned, undeserved favor of God toward us. It’s a foundational element of the gospel. In fact, without grace, we would have no faith, hope, or joy!
In his letter to the Ephesian church, Paul highlighted the fact that the gifts God so generously gives his children—gifts to be used in his service—are “grace-gifts.” They equip us to reach the lost and to build up the church. Elsewhere in the New Testament we find more extensive lists of these gifts, but in Ephesians 4 his point is that the unity of the Spirit in the church is enhanced by a diversity of gifts of the Spirit, all of which strengthen the body of Christ.
Grace-gifts are a blessing, but the greater blessing—the greater gift—is the gift of grace itself. God’s gifts are wonderful, but God’s grace is amazing.
With God’s help, be grace-ful in all you say and do today.
Bob Black is a third-generation Wesleyan minister and professor emeritus of religion at Southern Wesleyan University (SC).
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
