Grace. What a wonderful word! The very sound of it brings health and healing, comfort and reassurance, encouragement and hope. What does this wonderful word mean to us who have trusted in Christ?
First of all, we need to understand what grace does not mean. It does not mean that God looks at us through rose colored glasses; that He turns His head away and hides His eyes whenever we sin; that He lets us do whatever we please, whenever we please, while assuring us that all is well. Grace is not a permission slip that lets us do our own thing or skip out on our responsibilities. Grace is not a free pass that allows us to break the rules or a “Get Out of Jail Free” card that allows us to escape correction. Grace is not a license to sin.
What is Grace? Here are some helpful and wonderful definitions that have been written and spoken through the years:
Grace is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.
Grace is God’s unmerited favor.
Grace is God working in us the will and the desire to do the things that please Him.
Grace is receiving from God what we do not deserve, freely, without money or price.
Grace is God’s influence upon us resulting in happiness and thankfulness.
Grace is amazing!
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
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