Without God’s grace, none of us are saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” You should worship and love Him for His amazing grace! But perhaps you think that God’s grace only means his mercy towards you and the salvation He gives. Grace has been described as the unmerited favor of God. It is His friendly disposition, loving-kindness and goodwill towards us. As such, it includes much more than His mercy towards us.
God demonstrates his grace to us in multiple ways. 1 Peter 4:10-11 “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Here, it is described as the “manifold grace of God” meaning that God’s grace is demonstrated in many ways.
Look at how God’s grace is described beyond His mercy. 1 Corinthians 1:4-7 “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are enriched in everything through God’s grace. Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” God’s grace helps us in our time of need. 2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” God’s grace gives us everything we need to accomplish every good work.
You should want the grace of the God of the universe; in other words, you should want His loving-kindness and goodwill toward you. How do you receive His grace? You receive His grace when you humble yourself and submit to His will. 1 Peter 5:5b-7 “’God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” You certainly don’t want to fall short of the grace of God. Hebrews 12:14-15 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.” Instead, you want to grow in His grace. 2 Peter 3:17-18 “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” How does one grow in His grace? How do you grow in the good graces of anyone? By doing what pleases them – how much more so for God. Humble yourself before your God and seek what pleases Him.
Have you ever noticed how often the Apostle Paul in his writings gives a blessing of grace? In virtually every one of his letters from Romans to Hebrews he blesses his audience with God’s grace in both the opening and closing salutation. For instance, Romans 1:7 “To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” I think that is an excellent example for us; we can bless each other with God’s grace.
May God’s grace be with you.