We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia...

2 Corinthians 8:1

Whatever we do and whatever we are, it is because of grace. 

It's so tempting to take credit for the good we do. When we are praised for the good we do. When we are complemented for any virtue or for our character or our integrity, we quite naturally feel good about ourselves and feel pride. 

Perhaps this is why Paul always emphasizes grace. As great as he admired the Macedonians for their liberal generosity, he makes sure the credit goes to God. He did not merely praise the Macedonians, but noted the "grace of God" displayed in the Macedonians. 

There's a lesson here for us. It's good for us to complement and praise good works. It's right to express thanks. But let us always direct our praise and our thanks upward to the One whose grace motivates every good work done by His saints. 

Father, thank you for every manifestation of your grace in our lives.