A "gracious act" refers to a kind and considerate action done by someone towards others without expecting anything in return. It is a selfless act that demonstrates generosity and goodwill. Full definition
The most gracious act of goodwill conceivable is the sending of God's son, and yet no sooner was Christ born than the innocents were slaughtered. (religion-online.org)
Of course, the consequence is excommunication, but excommunication is the most gracious act the church ever performs. (firstthings.com)
Essentially, this is a clash between a world - view which is grounded in an ongoing gracious act of creation, and a world - view which presumes a static order of reality from which the individual has become estranged through ignorance, and to which he may return through recollection and self - knowledge. (religion-online.org)