Blessings of God's Grace

Perhaps the greatest of all blessings is the grace of God. The word from which we get our English word, grace, means favor, kindness, or gift. Grace is often referred to as unmerited favor. Essentially, grace is receiving something that you do not deserve. Unlike wages which are earned through work, grace is receiving what we could never earn. Grace flows from the character and nature of God. The psalmist wrote, "The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" (Psalm 145:8, ESV). Throughout the Bible, we see expressions of God's grace toward His people. But the greatest expression is of grace is Jesus. John wrote, "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). Jesus embodies grace. The cross of Christ is fullest display of grace––where justice and mercy meet.

A wonderful reality of God's grace is that it is not scarce but abundant, limitless, and sufficient for all. God's grace carries with it many blessings.

God's grace rescues us from sin and death. Paul wrote, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). It's not human achievement but a divine gift.

God's grace strengthens us in weakness. When Paul was explaining about his own weakness and the "thorn" in the flesh he was given, he explained that the Lord said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God's grace is not only about past forgiveness but present empowerment.

God's grace transforms us and our character. As Paul was encouraging Titus, he wrote about the grace of God appearing. He made it clear that God's grace brought salvation,“training us to renounce ungodliness” (Titus 2:12). The experience of God's grace transforms our character. Because of God's grace, we live for righteousness. However, grace is not a license to sin, but it is power to live holy lives.

God's grace equips us for ministry. Paul told the Christians in Rome, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6). Every spiritual gift is a grace-gift meant to build up the church. We are called to put into practice those gifts and talents that God has given. We cannot sit idly by but must be active in the service of the Lord, recognizing that His grace equips us for every good work.

There is no greater gift than God's grace. And God's grace is never more evident than at the foot of the cross. The great reality is that God's grace can never be exhausted. Grace removes guilt and shame, giving us peace with God. In those moments of difficulty that inevitably arise in life, we can be at peace knowing that God loves us beyond measure. He has given everything for us, so that we can enjoy the blessings of His grace.