Uncommen: Freely GivenSample

Grace as a Community

While having a meal, we become less oriented to the busyness of life and live in the moment at hand. At the table, we become less task-oriented and more people-focused. Today it is easy to become task-oriented, looking at the next item of business. Some describe the meal as a family cornerstone to mental health. Parenting, mentoring, and reconciliation can take place around a meal. Eating without silence is difficult. Reconciliation could be at the table during a meal, Apostle Paul shares. “Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, and we have exploited no one.” (2 Corinthians 7:2). It is difficult to imagine a silent meal that does not reveal some problems leading to discussions.

Inclusions abound around a meal. The marginalized become less marginal when included at the table. Think back to what the lunch table was like in middle school. Lonely souls become less lonely, and suddenly a stranger becomes a friend. Jesus accomplished this when He included the marginalized. Jesus used inclusion to shape communities and challenge relationship dynamics. When a leader serves, the leader meets others in their time of need. The table is a place to accept society’s brokenness, give up the prideful ways we judge, and build loving relationships. Loving relationships build hope for others.

Food and grace as a hope

When Jesus fed the 5000, there was, without a doubt, hope for everyone. Food is again the central theme of grace and compassion for His people. Food matters as it is an affirmation of God’s creation.

“In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” (Genesis 2:8–9) It is an affirmation that God’s creation is good. God incarnate likes to eat. He also wants to provide, which is evident at the wedding in Cana, where he provides quality wine. Jesus set the standard a bit higher, not settling for less.

Hope becomes glorified in the risen Christ when Jesus publicly ate before the disciples. “They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.” (Luke 24:42–43). Food becomes a source of proof that Jesus is no ghost. Food is sustenance, just like Jesus. It is a gift like grace to be received from God. While Jesus did not need food, the illustration shows how central it became in His good creation. We can experience God through food. In turn, we should honor him through good nutrition. Celebrating food to glorify God and our dependence on Him becomes a mission to celebrate God’s greatness.

Uncommen Questions:

How comfortable are you with demonstrating hospitality to a stranger?

How do you see grace applied around the table?

Uncommen Challenge:

We challenge you to go on an Uncommen mission in your backyard, using food as grace.