Grace

Grace

Grace. We in the Christian community hear that word a lot. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

There is absolutely nothing you can do to make yourself acceptable to stand in the presence of God. No amount of good works will be sufficient. It’s one of the most precious gifts Christians can possess.

But do we really understand grace? When I tell someone outside the faith about God’s grace, they generally scoff and say it’s too easy. Why wouldn’t God require us to do more to get right with Him? It’s a challenging question since we tend to want to control our lives and strive for what we need and want.

I believe even Christians struggle with the concept of grace. I know that I do. Frequently I discover an ugly thought lurking in my head. Or, a comment that speaks ill of someone else erupts from my mouth without permission. Or I eat that extra dessert I didn’t need then later I ask myself why.

Each time, I receive that gentle reminder from the Holy Spirit that my thoughts or deeds are sinful, He allows me to confess and ask forgiveness. But that seems to happen daily, hourly. Does God really forgive us that many times?

Yep. His grace is sufficient for us.

I can only thank and praise Him for his powerful grace working in my life.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'” 11 Corinthians 12:9

Dear Lord, when I am tempted to rely on my own merits or good deeds, remind me that it is only by Your grace that I am pleasing to You. I thank You that it’s not about me, but all about you. Amen.