Word of the Year
Do you participate in a word of the year? Do you select it or do you let a word pick you!
I am of the latter discipline. It’s a Holy Spirit thing. It is usual for a word or principle to start showing up in my readings around December 1. I let them sort themselves and see what is the last word standing. This year it was firmly confirmed on January 3rd with this:
For the GRACE of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and Godly lives. Titus 2.11-12
Grace
The dictionary doesn’t do the word meaning justice.
- simple elegance or refinement of movement
- courteous goodwill
- do honor or credit by one’s presence
- Grace is the Hebrew word chanan or the Greek word charis, meaning “the state of kindness and favor toward someone, often with a focus on a benefit given to the object.” ( Strong’s Greek 5485 ). Grace is what God does because he is gracious. Every action of God toward us involves his grace.
G.R.A.C.E.
God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.
That’s the 20th Century acronym that seems to work the best.
What It Means To Us
We get heaven because of nothing we do but because of what Christ did.
Grace means we don’t get what we deserve but what God desires to give us through His Son Jesus.
How Do We Give Grace?
By speaking Truth in Love to lift up not tear down. It doesn’t mean allowing things just to make people feel good but to point them to Christ.
Everything must point to Him. WWJD? He would give grace – not to harm but to minister.
A Slippery Slope
Grace can be a slippery slope – it is never a permit to sin or do wrong.
“I know this is wrong but I’ll do it anyway because God will give me grace.”
Ask me how I know this…
Grace in 2022
I’m ready to see how this plays out over the next 12 months. It’s God-ordained so He definitely has a plan.
Do you have a oneword? Do tell.
Like you, I let the word pick me. So far reciprocity is swirling around. I’ll see what becomes of it…if I go with it or go without a word this year.
Thank you for pointing out that grace is never a permit to sin or do wrong. That seems to be the message many Christians run with today.
Yvonne, do update me on the whole reciprocity word. I’m sitting here wondering how that can play out in The Kingdom. Do tell.
Why, yes, a word’s been chosen,
a word of pulchritude
and spirited emotion;
my friend, that word is “Dude!”
I hope perhaps it plays a part
in telling of the joy
that dwells unvanquished in the heart
of this rambunctious boy.
I know this year will be a friend
deserving of a happy hail,
and unto its December end
I will not, cannot fail
to laugh into its smiling eye
until it’s time to say goodbye.
DUDE…………………..you did it again!
I have been “listening” for a word for the year and it just has not come.
That is ok.
I do very strongly feel in my spirit that I should cling to and learn better to walk in my “life word” which is TRUST!
Spinal surgery Friday……..TRUST is sure important.
Kathy
Trust is your forever word…
My word is Wait – “Lead me to Your truth and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.” (Psalm 25:5, NASB)
My desire is that He will lead me and teach me His Truth in greater depth and power as I wait on Him.
I’ll be looking to read about how this word impacts your life in 2022!
Wait. It could be an intimidating principle but waiting for Him is treasure!
Beautiful dear friend! The word grace has always been a guiding word for me. Do you remember when my blog was called “Passage through Grace?”
My word for this year is “light” and it chose me. Holy Spirit has a way doing that.
Of course I remember your blog. Looking forward to following the Light via your writing!
My ONEWORD is INTENTIONAL.
Intentional on better health
Intentional on getting my devotionals published. (I may need your help)
Ask away!
I love this, Susan. I think GRACE is one of those words for which we can never completely plumb the depths of meaning and application. I look forward to reading more about how God uses it in your life this year. 🙂 My word is Cling.
Jeanne, It takes ‘grace’ to ‘cling’, amen?
I usually start “listening” for my word for the year around the end of October or beginning of November. It’s all Holy Spirit led. He starts “highlighting “ a word or a concept. Then usually, there comes an “aha” recognition in my spirit that this is to be my word for the year. In 2021, the word was “Listen”.
My word for 2022 is “bear fruit”.
I paint my word on a rock and keep it at my bathroom sink. I have all my rocks in a bowl and the current year is prominently positioned on top. So there’s that visible reminder each day.
Sarah, that’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing.