One of the most important gifts of God to mankind is grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) tells us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” In other words, we could never have been able to earn the eternal love and mercy of God. It is only through grace that we are saved.
Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you
– Hebrews 13:5
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
The word grace is used often in modern Christianity, but what does it really mean? One of the greatest Bible commentators, Matthew Henry, defines it beautifully and succinctly as “the free, undeserved goodness and favor of God to mankind.”
We have no salvation through our own works, it is all by the grace of God. Your tithes, offerings, or good works cannot save you. Only grace can. If you come to Him as a miserable sinner, He comes to you as a loving, gracious Father.
Our gracious Father
Many people today are still stuck in the mistakes of their past. They’re living each day in regret, unable to attain their full potential as sons and daughters of God and members of the body of Christ. But the word of God tells us in Ephesians 1:7 that in Jesus “we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
If you accept Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Savior, then also believe that you have been forgiven of all your sins. You have been washed clean in His blood and given a clean, new slate. Your past doesn’t matter. God isn’t looking at who you were but who you are in Christ. In Jesus,
you are redeemed, favored, blessed, and fulfilling your purpose, all by the grace of God.
His grace is sufficient
2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Many people feel the weakness of life. Sometimes it seems the burden is just too much to bear. From health challenges to broken relationships and financial setbacks, we might feel the strength draining from our veins.
The truth is that we aren’t meant to have it together all the time. That’s why God says, “My grace
is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Instead of trying to do it all by yourself, turn it over to Jesus. He who started a good work in you is able to complete it.
1 Peter 5:10 says, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you
have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” God has given us grace, but challenges are still part of the package.
When you experience lack, it doesn’t mean you lack grace or divine favor. God sometimes uses trials to help strengthen our faith. When you go through a dark valley, it doesn’t mean God has forsaken you; He wants you to know that He is there with you, even in the deepest parts of the earth. His word says in Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Conclusion
God’s grace is unmerited favor motivated by Calvary’s love. Many are feeling disappointed, uncertain about their future, lost, and hopeless. Key into God’s word. Put your weakness into His hands and He willmake your weakness perfect strength. His grace is reaching out to you; His
grace is sufficient for you.
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