As I embrace the end of the year, I have been reflecting on various events. I ponder my personal growth, family matters, accomplishments, and a list that still needs to be fulfilled. I think of joyous moments and heartaches I experienced, and the word GRACE becomes more meaningful.

What is GRACE?

“Grace can be defined as “God’s favor toward the unworthy” or “God’s benevolence on the undeserving.” In His grace, God is willing to forgive us and bless us, even though we fall short of living righteously.

A while ago, an acronym came to mind as I pondered the meaning of grace in my life. Each letter reminds me of what the Savior thought in the scriptures.

G.R.A.C.E.

G stands for Gift.-  It is a Gift from God!

Ephesians 2:8 says: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

R stands for Respect – respecting everyone, including ourselves, and meeting others where and as they are.

Ephesians 4:29 says: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

A stands for – Acceptance –  Accepting each other no matter who we are.

In Galatians 3:28, we read: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

C stands for – Compassion. Oh, how I love this word! I understand this word more as I see others from a pure heart. It is a gift from Christ.

Ephesians 4:32 is a beautiful invitation, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

The last letter, E, stands for “Embrace,” which means to embrace the gift of Christ’s atonement.

Alma 7:11 says:

“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.”

Many scriptures refer to a heart.

One of them comes from the Bible in the book of Mathew 5:8

Jesus said: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” –  Matthew 5:8

What does it mean to Have a Pure Heart? 

Have you ever wondered about having a pure heart, dear listener? 

Here is an answer for me and perhaps for you: A pure heart is charity. It means I am forgiving, patient, and not critical or judgmental of others. It means I look at others with compassion and grace, the way Jesus looks at me. When I know I am in that space, of having a pure heart, I am willing to connect and understand others.   

Robin Johnson, my mentor and coaching instructor, wrote a book titled “The Heart of the Gospel,” which beautifully describes the five states of the heart. Here are the descriptions of the five hearts:

A Hardened Heart – is a heart of anger, hate, malice, pride, animosity, judgment, absence of love, and hurting others.
A Broken Heart – A heart of grief, sadness, wounded, anguished, depressed, lonely, heavy and in pain.
A Disconnected Heart – A heart of numbness, fear, emotionlessness, pain avoidance, apathy, and no passion for life.
A Faint Heart – is weary from life’s challenges, depleted, disheartened, hopeless, exhausted.
A Pure Heart –  is the Heart of Christ, a heart in a state of oneness: One with self, God, and humanity. It is a heart of charity, grace, forgiveness, compassion, joy, and acceptance. 

L. Todd Budge said,

“The good news of the gospel is not the promise of a life free of sorrow and tribulation but a life full of purpose and meaning —a life where our sorrows and afflictions can be “swallowed up in the joy of Christ.”

Christ is my joy and hope; in Him, I find peace and comfort in all aspects of my life; without a doubt, no matter what is happening, I know I will be alright because the Lord will “direct my paths.”

“Jeszcze Polska nie zginęła,
Kiedy my żyjemy.
Co nam obca przemoc wzięła,
Szablą odbierzemy.

Marsz, marsz Dąbrowski,
Z ziemi włoskiej do Polski,
Za twoim przewodem
Złączym się z narodem.”

-To translate:
“Poland has not yet been lost
while we are still alive.
Whatever has been taken from us by violence,
We will take it back with a sword.

March, Dabrowski’s march,
From the Italian countryside to Poland,
With your leadership,
We will reunite with the nation.”

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Throughout my life, I have learned that when I trust and choose to follow the Savior, I can see His hand and His miracles. Even though I might not understand everything, I know He is watching over me.

In closing I am singing a song “Amaziing Grace” which is not released.

I end my song song, “Mały Grubasek,”

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