Grace

God’s grace is life changing. The word grace is one that is used often but not very well understood. We have phrases like, “saying grace” or “tell me your experience of grace”. So what is grace and why does it change lives? In numerous locations (Col 4:18, 1 Tim 6:21, 2 Tim 4:22, Tit 3:15, Heb 13:25) Paul concludes letters by saying “Grace be with you”. Unfortunately, I have at times glanced over this because it is not at the heart of the letter Paul was writing, however today I want to slow down and look at this life-giving phrase. When Paul says, “Grace be with you”, he is communicating to the readers his desire for them to experience the fullness of God’s presence and power in their lives. Grace forgives sin, “For by Grace you have been saved” Eph 2:8. Not only does Paul desire his reader to experience God’s grace but he wants them to live in that grace. In 2 Peter 1:2 he says, "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” As we learn more of God, both in intellect and in experience we will further see God’s grace at work in our lives and in others. We will also see how great our need for His grace is. Having surrendered our lives to Jesus means we know His grace. In John 1:14 we are told that Jesus came with both grace and truth. Grace does not do away with the need for truth. When we are confronted with the truth of our sin against God, we are convicted. In this state of conviction for our sins we are prepared to receive the grace of God. Without conviction, we are arrogant and prideful and do not see our need for a savior. When we are confronted by Jesus, we then understand our need for His grace. God’s grace is life changing, but it is not just for us. We are to share His grace with others. This means we lead others to Him, but this also means when we are done wrong that we extend grace to people. Grace is defined as unmerited (unearned) favor. We have done nothing to earn God’s grace, it is only by His love and desire to be with us that we are given His grace. I want to challenge you to slow down, see and experience God’s grace this week. As Paul would say, Grace be with you this week and may the grace of God abound in your life.