Read Nehemiah 9:17

The last few years I feel I’ve received a lot of grace from the people around me.

Certainly, my wife and family as they had to make many concessions and do many things I couldn’t do due to my health. Also, from my employer and co-workers. They had to pick up the pieces and finish work that I couldn’t complete. We also have unbelievably good friends who did so much for us and I feel that God showed His love through them.

I’m very thankful for all of the above but, as significant as it was, nothing can compare with the grace I’ve received from God.

So, what is grace?

We use the word or a form of it in many different ways:

“That person was very gracious.”

“I’m sure glad they had a grace period after the due date on that bill.”

“That dancer is so graceful.”

Sometimes the words grace and mercy are used as though they are synonymous.

I believe mercy is not getting what I deserve such as, “I’m a sinner and deserve the death penalty but because of God’s mercy I’ve been forgiven and won’t receive that penalty.”

Grace, on the other hand, is receiving what I don’t deserve, in the form of a gift. Receiving Christ’s righteousness and becoming a member of the Heavenly Father’s family because of what He has done for me by dying on the cross.

Here is an acrostic that illustrates this:

God’s

Riches

At

Christ’s

Expense

GRACE is a GIFT!

Grace comes in many different forms and I want to talk about just a few types.

God’s grace is:

Forgiving – Through grace, we can be forgiven (Ephesians 2:8 – 9).

Accepting – God wants us all to be part of His eternal family and He has made a way through Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9).

Sustaining – He gets us through the tough times if we will turn to Him and trust in Him completely. (Isaiah 46:4).

Freeing – God wants us to be free.

Free from fear.

“So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

(Isaiah 41:10)

Free from worry (Ephesians 4:6 – 7)

Free from anything that keeps us from becoming who He made us to be.

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  (John10:10b)

God’s grace is so important, without it we would be utterly hopeless.

It’s also very broad and I’ve touched on just a few points, but I ask you to consider how God’s grace has impacted YOUR life and thank Him.

Who around you needs to hear about the hope and love that is embodied in God’s grace?

Please pray that God will:

• show you who needs to hear about Him
• create opportunities with that person
• give you the words that will point them to Jesus Christ.

God’s grace is the best gift ever. May we never take it for granted!

Mike Molter