A God of Great Goodness and Kindness

[marie glen]

Hello all! here in wisconsin (usa) we have April snow.. And it's so pretty! [This winter I learned it isn't half so much fun taking care of hens in the winter, as it is in the summer! :laughing7: Please overlook my babbling, it's called "cabin fever"!]

I was reading Ephesians chapter one and thought how good it would be to read it in the interlinear (on biblehub dot com's phone app). And read how the Ephesians were in Ephesis and also were faithful in Christ Jesus.. :dsunny:
...Then verse two and how it was "grace and peace from the Father of us and the Lord Jesus.."

"grace and kindness" #5485 - 5485 xáris (another feminine noun from xar-, "favor, disposed to, inclined, favorable towards, leaning towards to share benefit") – properly, grace. 5485 (xáris) is preeminently used of the Lord's favor – freely extended to give Himself away to people (because He is "always leaning toward them").

5485 /xáris ("grace") answers directly to the Hebrew (OT) term 2580 /Kaná ("grace, extension-toward"). Both refer to God freely extending Himself (His favor, grace), reaching (inclining) to people because He is disposed to bless (be near) them.

...which can only make a u.r. person 'swoon'(?) ..overflow w/ joy? break into dancing..? :cloud9: (alas! metaphor, I'm just sitting here at the computer).

I had just previous been thinking of someone making an image, a side by side comparison - one side being the hairy goat, evil, dark, image of satan breathing out fire (creative license) and the other side the image of the Loving Heavenly Father, on His Throne, full of Grace, of a healing nature.. "let the children come to Me.." image.. With the caption - Which one would more likely say "Worship me or I will burn you alive forever and ever!?" -- (That old king / priest collusion to keep the ppl obedient..)

What an insult and slander to put that at God's feet! "grace, extension-toward". Both refer to God freely extending Himself (His favor, grace), reaching (inclining) to people because He is disposed to bless (be near) them.

[marie glen]

P.S. - the cross of Christ being a strong enough image to pierce every heart and mind with the truth that they are forgiven...