READ: John 1:1-14
“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” – Luke 2:40
To be “called” by God means that the grace of God is upon you. In the first place, it is God’s unmerited favour that gives us our salvation. But when God calls you, He shows you even more kindness and clemency. This kindness is over and above the kindness that caused your salvation.
As you can see, it is when this unmerited favour is extended even further that you receive a call to work for God! Indeed, to receive grace is to receive favour, benevolence, clemency and leniency. It is this leniency from God that invites and welcomes somebody like you into the ministry!
a. The Hebrew word for “grace” is chen, which means graciousness, kindness, receiving favour or becoming precious. From this definition, receiving a call and receiving grace means that you have been well-favoured by the Lord. Indeed, you are precious because the call of God is upon you.
b. The Greek word for “grace” is charis, which speaks of the divine influence upon your heart. This grace will only stir up gratitude that motivates you.