Grace Defined - Encouragement Café - May 9, 2017

Grace Defined
By Jamy Whitaker
Tuesday, May 9, 2017

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. Ephesians 1:7-8 NIV

I’m sure we have all heard phrases like, “He is gracious” and “She is so graceful,” but what does grace really mean? The dictionary defines grace as approval or favor. God defines grace as His free and unmerited favor for every one of us.

Grace is the loving favor that God pours out to those who accept Him as Savior. There is absolutely nothing you or I could do to earn salvation. For that matter, we don’t even deserve it. It comes only by God’s love and mercy. 

Without the grace that God so freely wants to give, no one could be saved. To receive this amazing gift, we have to realize that only God can save us; and through our faith in Christ, we will receive this loving favor.

The only way I can begin to wrap my mind around God’s grace is by thinking about my kids. Years ago, our son came upstairs looking down and upset. I asked him what was wrong, and then he held up the two pieces of his glasses – broken right down the middle of the nosepiece. It was obvious that super glue was not going to fix them. 

I simply told him to go and get his extra pair. Right before going out to the bus, his older brother asked him what was wrong. He proceeded to say, “Mom is so mad at me.” 

I looked up at him and told him that I was not even upset, accidents happen and we would simply get another pair ordered. I wrapped my arms around him and gave him a big hug to show him that everything was just fine.

This is just one small example of how God lavishes grace upon us. I just love that word. God is continuing to richly pour out His grace upon us. 

Can you wrap your mind around how much God must love each and every one of us to continue to grant us such a wonderful and unmerited gift like grace?

I challenge you to spend some time with God today and not only thank Him for the grace He has given, but also think of someone in your life that you could extend grace to today.

I would like to leave you with this short clip from the Skit Guys, Grace. Let the words wash over you today and remind you how much God loves and cares for you. His grace is all about Him and nothing to do with us.

Heavenly Father, thank You for lavishing us with Grace each and every day.  Help us to accept that Grace, unconditionally and then to turn around and grant it to others as freely as You grant it to us.  Give us strength to also extend Mercy to those around us who need it.  We love You, Lord and it is in Your Name that we pray, Amen.

© 2017 by Jamy Whitaker. All rights reserved.

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