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“You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

I attended a private Christian school from kindergarten through middle school, and while I’m still unsure why my parents chose a Christian education for my brother and me, I appreciate the character-building lessons it provided, particularly the concept of grace and its connection to spirituality. Living in the Bay Area, where the focus is on intellect and individualism, I feel a strong need for connection to something greater than myself—something divine. When I embody and act with grace, I feel a stronger connection to both myself and others. In my humble opinion and observation, many of our significant social problems stem from a lack of spirituality and grace.

What is Grace

Grace is a profound concept, often defined in religious contexts as "a gift of divine favor that is unmerited and spontaneous" or simply as "undeserved favor" (Miller, 2007). In the biblical sense, grace represents the unmerited love and kindness bestowed by God, not as a result of human action but as a gift of divine generosity. This understanding of grace transcends religious boundaries, resonating with the broader human experience of unconditional kindness, empathy, and forgiveness.

Grace is deeply connected to the spiritual or divine, as it embodies the qualities that bind humanity together—acts of unconditional kindness, empathy, and forgiveness. It encourages us to see the best in others, to practice acceptance and non-judgment, and to extend love and compassion without expecting anything in return (Perrin, 2007). This selflessness is a hallmark of grace, manifesting in behavior that seeks to uplift others and foster a sense of connection and understanding.

Spiritual Grace

In many religious traditions, particularly Christianity, grace is understood as the unmerited favor and love of God. It is a gift freely given to help individuals lead virtuous lives and attain salvation (Boyle, 2001). Grace, in this sense, is not earned but bestowed, reflecting the divine's infinite compassion and mercy. It is often seen as a spiritual virtue that imbues individuals with qualities such as compassion, forgiveness, and humility, enabling them to live in alignment with divine will.

Social and Interpersonal Grace

In social interactions, grace is the ability to act with kindness, understanding, and compassion, even in challenging situations. It involves showing empathy and patience towards others, often putting their needs above one's own. Grace in this context is about forgiveness, letting go of grudges, and extending generosity, both emotionally and materially (Exline & Hartman, 2007). It creates a supportive environment where people feel valued and understood, fostering deeper connections and healthier relationships.

Aesthetic and Physical Grace

In a physical or aesthetic sense, grace refers to a quality of movement or appearance characterized by smoothness, elegance, and effortless beauty. This can be seen in the way a dancer moves, the design of an object, or the manner in which someone carries themselves. Aesthetic grace is associated with harmony, balance, and proportion, where all elements come together seamlessly and beautifully.

Moral and Ethical Grace

Grace in a moral or ethical sense involves maintaining dignity, integrity, and composure, especially in difficult circumstances. It is the ability to handle adversity with calmness and understanding, rather than anger or frustration. Moral grace reflects a nobility of spirit, where one acts with honor, respect, and selflessness, often putting others' needs before one's own (Emmons, 2012). It is about living in a way that upholds the highest ethical standards, treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of the situation.

Everyday Grace

In everyday life, grace is reflected in how we treat others with courtesy, politeness, and respect, acknowledging their humanity and worth. It is the small acts of kindness and consideration that make a difference in daily interactions. Grace also involves resilience and calmness, the ability to remain composed and patient in the face of stress or provocation, responding with understanding rather than anger.

A Worrisome Lack of Grace

From a current societal perspective, several evident and significant signals suggest that we are lacking grace as a people:

1. Increased Polarization and Divisiveness

• Political and Social Polarization: Society has become increasingly divided along political, ideological, and cultural lines. This polarization often manifests in hostile discourse, where individuals are quick to judge, attack, and vilify those with differing opinions. The lack of grace is evident in the absence of respectful dialogue and the refusal to consider alternative perspectives.
• Social Media Conflict: Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are rife with arguments, cancel culture, and cyberbullying. The anonymity and distance provided by social media allow for harsh, ungracious interactions that would be less likely to occur face-to-face.

2. Decline in Empathy and Compassion

• Rising Incivility: There is a growing trend of incivility in public spaces, whether online or offline. People are less patient, more irritable, and quicker to lash out at strangers, colleagues, or even loved ones. The decrease in empathetic behavior reflects a societal shift away from grace.
• Objectification and Dehumanization: There is an increasing tendency to objectify and dehumanize others, reducing them to stereotypes, labels, or mere avatars. This is especially visible in the way people are treated based on their appearance, beliefs, or social status, leading to a lack of kindness and understanding in interpersonal interactions.

3. Erosion of Forgiveness and Tolerance

• Cancel Culture: The rise of cancel culture, where individuals or groups are publicly shamed and ostracized for perceived wrongdoings, indicates a societal move away from grace. There is little room for forgiveness, understanding, or second chances, and people are often judged harshly without consideration for their context or the possibility of growth and redemption.
• Zero-Tolerance Attitudes: In both personal and professional contexts, there is an increasing prevalence of zero-tolerance policies that leave little room for mistakes, misunderstandings, or the grace to resolve conflicts through dialogue and mutual understanding.

4. Impatience and Intolerance

• Impatience in Daily Interactions: People are increasingly impatient in everyday situations, whether in traffic, waiting in lines, or dealing with service workers. This impatience is often accompanied by a lack of tolerance for the imperfections and delays that are part of life, leading to frustration and unkindness.
• Intolerance of Differences: There is a growing intolerance for differences, whether cultural, religious, or personal. This intolerance is evident in the quickness to judge, reject, or marginalize those who do not conform to certain norms or expectations.

5. Mental Health Crisis and Loneliness

• Rising Loneliness: Despite being more connected than ever through technology, many people report feeling lonelier and more isolated. This loneliness is both a cause and a symptom of a lack of grace, as people struggle to form meaningful, compassionate connections.
• Mental Health Stigma: The stigma surrounding mental health issues persists, with individuals often feeling judged or misunderstood rather than supported. The lack of grace in addressing mental health concerns contributes to the growing crisis of anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges.

6. Economic and Social Inequality

• Widening Inequality: The growing gap between the wealthy and the poor is a clear indication of a lack of societal grace. The increasing concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of a few, while many struggle to meet basic needs, reflects a failure to extend compassion and support to those in need.
• Lack of Social Safety Nets: The erosion of social safety nets and support systems for the vulnerable and marginalized is another sign of a society lacking in grace. When communities fail to care for their most vulnerable members, it highlights a deficiency in collective empathy and kindness.

7. Environmental Neglect

• Environmental Degradation: The ongoing destruction of natural environments and the failure to address climate change effectively reflect a lack of grace toward the planet and future generations. The disregard for the well-being of other species and the environment signals a disconnection from the values of stewardship and compassion.

8. Breakdown of Community and Family Structures

• Weakening of Community Bonds: The weakening of community bonds, with fewer people engaging in communal activities, volunteering, or supporting their neighbors, reflects a loss of grace in how we relate to and care for one another.
• Family Estrangement: Increasing reports of family estrangement, where members sever ties over conflicts or differences, also indicate a lack of grace. The inability to reconcile, forgive, and maintain familial relationships speaks to a broader societal trend of intolerance.

9. Escalation of Violence and Aggression

• Rise in Violent Crime: The increase in violent crime, including mass shootings, domestic violence, and hate crimes, reflects a deep societal breakdown where grace is absent. These acts of violence are extreme manifestations of a lack of empathy, understanding, and respect for human life.
• Aggressive Rhetoric: The use of aggressive rhetoric in public discourse, including by political leaders and media figures, further exacerbates societal divisions and fosters an environment where grace is in short supply.

10. Lack of Accountability and Responsibility

• Shifting Blame: In both personal and professional contexts, there is a growing tendency to shift blame rather than take responsibility for one's actions. This lack of accountability is antithetical to grace, which involves acknowledging mistakes and making amends.
• Erosion of Trust: The erosion of trust in institutions, leaders, and even personal relationships reflects a lack of grace in society. When trust breaks down, it becomes harder to engage in the kind of open, compassionate interactions that foster grace and mutual respect.

What is Causing a Decline in Grace

The increasing lack of grace in society can be attributed to a variety of factors, many of which are intertwined with modern social, cultural, and technological developments. Here are some of the key reasons:

1. Rise of Individualism and Self-Centeredness

• Cultural Shift Toward Individualism: Modern society places a strong emphasis on individual achievement, personal success, and self-fulfillment. While this focus on self can empower people, it can also lead to self-centeredness, where the needs and perspectives of others are undervalued. This cultural shift can diminish the practice of grace, which requires empathy, compassion, and putting others before oneself.
• Decline of Community Values: As society becomes more individualistic, the sense of community and collective responsibility diminishes. Grace often thrives in environments where there is a strong sense of community and mutual support, but as these values wane, so does the inclination to act graciously.

2. Technological Influence and Social Media

• Impact of Social Media: Social media platforms encourage quick, often superficial interactions and can amplify negative behaviors such as judgment, criticism, and hostility. The anonymity and distance provided by online communication make it easier to act without grace, as people feel less accountable for their words and actions.
• Comparison and Envy: Social media also fosters a culture of comparison and envy, where people constantly measure their lives against others. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and resentment, which are counterproductive to the cultivation of grace.

3. Increased Polarization and Division

• Political and Ideological Polarization: The growing polarization in politics and ideology has created an environment where people are more likely to see those with opposing views as enemies rather than fellow human beings. This us-vs-them mentality erodes the ability to approach others with grace, understanding, and empathy.
• Social and Cultural Fragmentation: The fragmentation of society along cultural, racial, and economic lines contributes to a lack of grace. When people live in echo chambers and have limited exposure to diverse perspectives, it becomes harder to practice grace, as there is less understanding and acceptance of differences.

4. Stress and Overwhelm in Modern Life

*See post on Stress: The Destroyer of Worlds

• Chronic Stress: The fast-paced nature of modern life, with its demands for constant productivity and achievement, leaves many people feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Chronic stress depletes emotional reserves, making it difficult to respond to others with patience and grace.
• Mental Health Challenges: Rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can also impede the practice of grace. When individuals are struggling with their own emotional well-being, they may find it challenging to extend kindness and compassion to others.

5. Erosion of Traditional Values and Institutions

• Decline of Religious and Spiritual Practices: For many, religious and spiritual practices have traditionally been a source of grace, teaching values like forgiveness, compassion, and humility. As fewer people engage with these traditions, the societal reinforcement of these values may diminish.
• Weakening of Social Institutions: The weakening of social institutions such as families, schools, and community organizations, which have historically played a role in teaching and modeling gracious behavior, can contribute to a decline in grace. Without these supportive structures, individuals may lack the guidance and examples needed to cultivate grace in their own lives.

6. Consumerism and Materialism

• Focus on Material Success: A society that prioritizes material wealth and success can lead to the neglect of deeper, more meaningful values like grace. The pursuit of material gains often encourages competition, greed, and a focus on self-interest, which are antithetical to the practice of grace.
• Objectification and Dehumanization: Consumer culture can also lead to the objectification of people, where individuals are valued based on their material possessions or social status rather than their intrinsic human worth. This objectification undermines the ability to see others with the compassion and understanding that grace requires.

7. Lack of Emotional Education and Development

• Inadequate Emotional Education: Many people are not taught how to manage their emotions, communicate effectively, or practice empathy. Without these skills, it becomes difficult to engage in the kind of thoughtful, considerate behavior that embodies grace.
• Focus on Academic and Professional Success: The emphasis on academic and professional achievements often comes at the expense of developing emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. As a result, people may be ill-equipped to handle conflicts or differences with grace.

8. Globalization and Cultural Clashes

• Exposure to Diverse Cultures and Beliefs: Globalization has increased exposure to diverse cultures and beliefs, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, intolerance, and cultural clashes. Without the grace to navigate these differences with respect and openness, society can become more divided and less gracious.
• Economic Disparities: Globalization has also contributed to widening economic disparities, which can lead to resentment, anger, and a lack of grace towards those perceived as more fortunate or privileged.

9. Loss of Meaning and Purpose

• Search for Meaning in a Secular World: As traditional sources of meaning and purpose, such as religion, community, and family, decline, people may struggle to find a sense of purpose. This existential void can lead to cynicism, apathy, and a lack of grace.
• Disconnection from Nature and the Sacred: Modern life often disconnects people from nature and a sense of the sacred, which can diminish the ability to experience awe, wonder, and gratitude—emotions that are closely linked to the practice of grace.

10. Erosion of Trust and Social Cohesion

• Declining Trust in Institutions: Trust in institutions such as government, media, and corporations has eroded in recent years, leading to a more cynical and suspicious society. This lack of trust can make people less willing to extend grace to others, as they become more guarded and defensive.
• Breakdown of Social Cohesion: As social cohesion weakens, with fewer shared values and common goals, the sense of collective responsibility and mutual care diminishes. This fragmentation makes it harder to practice grace, which relies on a foundation of connectedness and community.

Why Grace is Important

Grace in people is important because it embodies qualities such as kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and humility. These qualities are essential for fostering healthy, positive relationships and creating a more empathetic and understanding society.

1. Promotes Forgiveness and Healing: Grace allows people to forgive others and themselves for mistakes and shortcomings. This ability to forgive is crucial for healing and moving forward, whether in personal relationships or broader societal contexts. It helps to break cycles of resentment and conflict, allowing for reconciliation and growth (Worthington, 2005).
2. Encourages Empathy and Compassion: When people exhibit grace, they are more likely to empathize with others, understanding their struggles and pain. This empathy leads to acts of kindness and compassion, creating a supportive environment where people feel valued and understood (Schnitker & Emmons, 2007).
3. Fosters Resilience: Grace helps individuals navigate difficult situations with dignity and composure. It provides the strength to respond to challenges and adversity with patience and understanding, rather than anger or frustration. This resilience not only benefits the individual but also inspires others to handle their own difficulties with grace.
4. Cultivates a Positive Environment: Graceful behavior contributes to a positive and harmonious environment, whether at home, in the workplace, or in the community. It encourages respectful communication, reduces unnecessary conflicts, and promotes a culture of mutual respect and cooperation.
5. Supports Personal Growth: Embracing grace leads to personal growth by encouraging self-reflection and humility. It allows individuals to recognize their own flaws and work towards becoming better versions of themselves, fostering a continuous process of self-improvement.
6. Enhances Relationships: Grace is essential in building and maintaining strong, healthy relationships. It involves giving others the benefit of the doubt, being patient, and showing kindness even in challenging situations. These behaviors help to deepen connections and create lasting bonds based on trust and respect.
7. Inspires Others: Grace has a ripple effect; when one person acts with grace, it often inspires others to do the same. This can lead to a more compassionate and understanding community, where people are motivated to treat each other with kindness and respect.

What Grace is NOT

Common misperceptions about grace often arise from a misunderstanding of its depth and application. Here are some of the most frequent misperceptions:

1. Grace is Passive or Weak

• Misperception: Some people perceive grace as a sign of passivity, weakness, or a lack of assertiveness, believing that showing grace means letting others take advantage of you or not standing up for yourself.
• Reality: Grace involves strength and resilience. It requires emotional maturity to remain calm, compassionate, and forgiving in challenging situations. Grace is not about passivity but about choosing to respond to situations with dignity and empathy.

2. Grace is Only a Religious Concept

• Misperception: Grace is often thought of as solely a religious or spiritual concept, particularly in Christian theology, where it is associated with divine favor.
• Reality: While grace has deep roots in religious contexts, it is also a universal human quality that transcends spirituality. Grace can be expressed in everyday interactions, relationships, and moral behavior, regardless of religious beliefs.

3. Grace Means Ignoring or Excusing Bad Behavior

• Misperception: Some believe that showing grace means excusing bad behavior or avoiding conflict, allowing others to get away with harmful actions.
• Reality: Grace does not mean condoning bad behavior. Instead, it involves addressing issues with kindness and understanding, seeking resolution and growth rather than punishment. Grace allows for accountability while maintaining compassion.

4. Grace is Something You Either Have or You Don’t

• Misperception: Grace is often viewed as an innate quality that some people possess and others do not, leading to the belief that it cannot be cultivated or developed.
• Reality: Grace is a quality that can be cultivated through intentional practice and self-reflection. It involves developing empathy, patience, and humility, and can grow over time as one becomes more mindful of their interactions and responses.

5. Grace is Always About Being Nice

• Misperception: Grace is sometimes equated with simply being nice, polite, or agreeable, suggesting that it is about avoiding conflict or confrontation at all costs.
• Reality: Grace is deeper than mere politeness. It is about acting with integrity, even when it is difficult. Grace can involve difficult conversations and setting boundaries, but it is done in a way that respects the dignity and humanity of all involved.

6. Grace is Incompatible with Strong Emotions

• Misperception: There is a belief that showing grace means suppressing strong emotions like anger, frustration, or grief, in favor of maintaining a calm and pleasant demeanor.
• Reality: Grace involves managing emotions, not suppressing them. It’s about expressing feelings in a way that is constructive and respectful, maintaining composure while being authentic about one’s emotional experience.

7. Grace is Only for Others, Not for Yourself

• Misperception: Some people believe that grace is something you extend to others but not to yourself, leading to self-criticism and a lack of self-compassion.
• Reality: Grace is equally important to extend to oneself. Self-grace involves forgiving your own mistakes, being patient with your personal growth, and treating yourself with the same kindness and compassion you offer others.

8. Grace is a Sign of Unconditional Approval

• Misperception: Grace is sometimes misunderstood as unconditional approval or acceptance of all behavior, suggesting that being graceful means agreeing with or condoning everything.
• Reality: Grace is not about approval of all actions; it’s about responding with understanding and compassion. You can still hold firm to your values and boundaries while showing grace, especially when navigating disagreements or conflicts.

9. Grace is Only Shown in Grand Gestures

• Misperception: People might think that grace is demonstrated only in significant, grand gestures, such as forgiving major wrongs or making large sacrifices.
• Reality: Grace is often found in the small, everyday actions—like offering a kind word, being patient in a stressful situation, or choosing not to retaliate when wronged. It’s these small acts of grace that build up to a more gracious way of life.

What Blocks Grace

Several factors can block or hinder the expression of grace in people. These obstacles can stem from internal struggles, environmental influences, or life experiences. Here are some common barriers to grace:

1. Ego and Pride

When people are overly focused on their own needs, desires, and status, it can be difficult to act with humility and grace. An inflated ego may lead to a sense of superiority or entitlement, blocking the ability to empathize with others. Excessive pride can prevent people from admitting mistakes, forgiving others, or accepting help, leading to a rigid and ungracious demeanor.

2. Fear and Insecurity

Fear of vulnerability can make it hard to open up and connect with others, while insecurity can lead to self-protective behaviors that block grace and compassion. People may fear being judged, hurt, or rejected, which can prevent them from expressing their true selves and extending grace to others.

3. Anger and Resentment

Holding onto anger, especially from past hurts, can create bitterness that blocks grace. Resentment can fester over time, leading to a hardened heart where grace and compassion are overshadowed by negativity. This can make it difficult to forgive or show kindness, even when it is most needed.

4. Judgment and Intolerance

Being quick to judge or criticize others can prevent grace from flowing. Judgmental attitudes focus on others' flaws or mistakes, making it difficult to offer forgiveness or understanding. Intolerance of others' differences, whether cultural, religious, or personal, creates barriers to grace, fostering division rather than connection.

5. Stress and Overwhelm

*See post on Stress: The Destroyer of Worlds

High levels of stress can lead to irritability, impatience, and a lack of emotional reserves. When people are overwhelmed, they may struggle to find the inner calm needed to act with grace. Burnout and exhaustion can sap energy and compassion, making it difficult to respond to others with kindness or patience.

6. Lack of Self-Awareness

Without self-awareness, people may fall into habitual patterns of behavior that are ungracious, such as defensiveness, impatience, or insensitivity. A lack of reflection on one's actions can perpetuate these negative cycles. People may be unaware of how their actions affect others, leading to behaviors that unintentionally hurt or alienate those around them.

7. Unresolved Trauma

Unresolved trauma or emotional pain can create a defensive or reactive stance toward life, where grace is blocked by a need to protect oneself from further harm. Trauma can lead to coping strategies that are ungracious, such as withdrawing from others, lashing out, or shutting down emotionally.

8. Cultural and Environmental Influences

In some environments, competitive, harsh, or judgmental behaviors are normalized, making it difficult for individuals to act with grace. Peer pressure or cultural expectations can reinforce these ungracious patterns. Being surrounded by negativity, criticism, or conflict can erode one’s ability to act with grace, making it hard to maintain a positive, compassionate outlook.

9. Perfectionism

Perfectionism can create a harsh inner critic that leaves little room for grace. When people hold unrealistic expectations of themselves or others, they may struggle to offer understanding or forgiveness when those expectations are not met. This can lead to a lack of grace in interactions, as individuals may focus on perceived flaws rather than appreciating efforts or intentions.

10. Lack of Gratitude

When people focus on what they lack rather than what they have, it can be difficult to cultivate a gracious attitude. Gratitude opens the heart to appreciation and kindness, but a lack of it can lead to resentment and bitterness, blocking the flow of grace. Taking things for granted can also prevent people from recognizing the value in their relationships and interactions.

How To Cultivate Grace

Cultivating and embodying more grace involves developing qualities such as kindness, patience, humility, and empathy. Grace can be seen as a way of moving through the world with a sense of inner peace and outward compassion. Here are some steps to help cultivate more grace in your life:

1. Practice Mindfulness and Presence

Being present in the moment allows you to respond to situations with calm and clarity rather than reacting impulsively. This presence enables you to approach others with kindness and patience, hallmarks of grace. Regular meditation or quiet reflection helps you connect with your inner self, fostering a sense of peace that can translate into graceful behavior.

2. Cultivate Empathy and Compassion

Make an effort to understand and share the feelings of others. Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes can help you respond with compassion rather than judgment. Engage in small acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. Grace often manifests through selfless actions that bring comfort and support to others.

3. Develop Patience and Tolerance

Grace involves being patient with yourself and others. Practice staying calm in challenging situations, and give people the time and space they need without rushing to judgment or anger. Accept others' differences and imperfections. Recognizing that everyone is on their own journey allows you to extend grace to those who may not meet your expectations.

4. Embrace Humility and Forgiveness

Acknowledge your limitations and the contributions of others. Humility allows you to approach life with a sense of gratitude and openness, essential components of grace. Let go of grudges and past hurts. Grace often involves forgiving others (and yourself) to release the burden of resentment and to foster healing.

5. Communicate with Kindness and Respect

Choose your words carefully, speaking with kindness and consideration. Even in disagreements, strive to maintain respect and understanding. Listen to others without interrupting, and show genuine interest in their perspectives. This respectful communication is a key aspect of living with grace.

6. Practice Self-Care and Self-Compassion

Taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being allows you to approach life with balance and serenity. A well-cared-for self can extend grace to others. Be gentle with yourself when you make mistakes. Embracing your humanity and imperfections helps you extend the same understanding to others.

7. Engage in Reflective Practices

Keep a journal where you regularly note things you are grateful for. This practice can help shift your focus from what is lacking to what is abundant, fostering a gracious mindset. Express your thoughts and feelings through writing, drawing, or other creative outlets. This can help you process emotions and cultivate a deeper sense of inner grace.

8. Lead by Example

Embody grace in your daily actions and interactions. By consistently demonstrating grace, you can inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect in your community.

9. Embrace a Spiritual or Philosophical Practice

If you have a spiritual or religious tradition, engage in practices that align with the principles of grace, such as prayer, meditation, or reading sacred texts. Explore philosophical teachings that emphasize grace, such as Stoicism, which teaches calm acceptance of life’s challenges, or Buddhist teachings on compassion.

10. Focus on Growth and Learning

Cultivate a mindset of continuous growth, where you are open to learning from experiences and people around you. Grace often involves a willingness to adapt and grow. Seek guidance from mentors or spiritual leaders who exemplify grace in their lives. Learning from others who embody grace can provide valuable insights and inspiration.

Conclusion

“Grace is inherently connected to the spiritual or divine because it represents a force that binds humanity together through acts of unconditional kindness, empathy, forgiveness, and acceptance.”

Grace is a profound and multifaceted quality that encompasses kindness, compassion, humility, and resilience. It is an essential component of healthy relationships and a compassionate society. Grace allows us to forgive and heal, to empathize and connect, to maintain dignity in adversity, and to create positive environments where people feel valued and understood. By cultivating grace, we not only improve our own lives but also inspire others to act with the same generosity of spirit, creating a ripple effect of kindness and understanding in the world.

References

• Boyle, J. F. (2001). Grace as a theological virtue: A study in Aquinas' Summa Theologiae. The Thomist: A Speculative Quarterly Review, 65(1), 1-21. DOI: 10.1353/tho.2001.0015
• Emmons, R. A. (2012). The gift of grace: Toward a positive psychology of religion. In P. C. Hill & B. W. Pargament (Eds.), APA Handbook of Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality (Vol 1: Context, Theory, and Research), 545-560. DOI: 10.1037/13747-028
• Exline, J. J., & Hartman, A. M. (2007). Forgiveness, gratefulness, and grace: A review of constructs and measures. Current Psychology, 25(2), 106-126. DOI: 10.1007/s12144-007-9003-5
• Miller, W. L. (2007). Grace: A concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 59(1), 45-52. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04281.x
• Perrin, D. B. (2007). The experience of grace: A phenomenological study. Theological Studies, 68(3), 592-612. DOI: 10.1177/004056390706800305
• Schnitker, S. A., & Emmons, R. A. (2007). Grace and gratitude: A theoretical and empirical analysis. Journal of Positive Psychology, 2(4), 219-233. DOI: 10.1080/17439760701552315
• Worthington Jr., E. L. (2005). The healing power of forgiveness and grace. Counseling and Values, 49(3), 229-237. DOI: 10.1002/j.2161-007X.2005.tb01028.x