In simple terms, grace is the unmerited favor of God. This means that though we are undeserving of God’s love and favor, He bestows them on us still. In the first part of this series, we explored the relationship between salvation and grace.
The Bible makes us understand that we can’t earn salvation. We simply cannot work our way into God’s heart; it would never be enough. Grace is not a doctrine, it is a person, and His name is Jesus. His death on the cross and resurrection opened the way for us to be reconciled to the Father. He is the unmerited favor that we received as a gift from God.
“In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—”
– Ephesians 2:7-8 (NIV)
2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
God’s grace in the life of Joseph
The Bible has numerous accounts of men and women who experienced God’s grace in their lives. One of them is Joseph, son of Jacob.
“The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.”
– Genesis 39:2-4
As a kid, Joseph’s future was looking really bright, much brighter than those of his siblings, who were much older than him. Out of jealousy, Joseph’s brothers sold him to slavery, hoping that way, he would never become greater than them. But the thing with grace is that it follows you
everywhere, whether you’re in a pit or a palace.
The Bible tells us that Joseph found grace in Potipher’s sight. God gave Joseph favor in everything he did and eventually, he was promoted from being in charge of Potipher’s household to being in charge of all of Egypt (Genesis 41:41-46).
Joseph’s story teaches us that grace never leaves us, even during the darkest times of our lives. When the chips are down, don’t throw in the towel. Keep believing that as a child of God you’re always in His sight. He knows what you’re going through and He has promised never to forsake you. Keep your faith up. Like Joseph, you too will experience your miracle.
His grace provides
“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.” – Acts 6:8
Children of God can see His grace at work in everything they set out to do. From the workplace to the classroom and even in the sports field, His grace will shine through. How do we know we’re walking in the grace of God? It will provide everything you need to fulfill His purpose for your
life. The grace that saved you will sustain you.
Growing in grace
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” – 2 Peter 3:18
How do we receive and grow in the grace of God? This is achieved by having the knowledge of the person of grace—Jesus Christ. Many people don’t know the person of grace but want to enjoy the fruit of grace. That’s not how it works.
The first step in receiving grace is accepting Jesus as your Lord and savior and inviting the Holy Spirit to dwell in you. Build and maintain your faith through prayer, fasting, scripture searching, and fellowship. God’s grace naturally follows those who believe and have faith in Him.
Conclusion
God’s grace means His undeserved favor upon mankind personified in Jesus Christ. Out of the love He has for us, God freely gives us His mercy and blessings. This doesn’t mean we can go about sinning. A godly life attracts divine favor. When you have that you’ll discover God blesses you.
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