Page 93 - GRACE

GRACE, Exploring Its Riches

O ur discourse on grace so far has made clear that
grace is no grace except it is put to use or
expressed. Grace should not be dormant; if
habitually neglected it can be lost or taken away. We see this
in the three servants who got talents from their master in
Matthew Chapter 25. The one that got five talents (or
graces), and his mate who got two, utilised their graces,
invested them purposefully and returned 100 percent
profit each. The third servant did nothing with his talent or
grace. His excuse in Matthew 25:24-25 was,

“Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping
where you have not sown, and gathering where
you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and
went and hid your talent in the ground. Look,
there you have what is yours.’”

This servant may have thought he had plausible reasons to
do nothing with his talent or grace. The manner in which
he handed back the single talent to his master shows he was
perhaps a very cautious, fearful and reticent or restrained
man; as we say it in our local parlance, he does not want
trouble with anyone. But the answer of his master shows
that in the matter of talent or grace, there is no room for
anyone sitting idly; grace must be put to use and expressed,
or it is taken away and given to those who can venture out,
take the needed risks and look for the best result. This
much we learn from the comment of Jesus on the matter:
“For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will

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