GRACE

 

I ran across this quote that I feel is a great truth to reflect upon. I believe it applies to both Jesus and our own lives.

 

 

First, let’s define grace using two Scriptures.

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.  –Romans 3:22-24  (NLT)

We learn that God’s grace is a free gift that makes us right in His eyes because of Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection. Jesus took the weight of all our sins to allow us to live in freedom. Once we place our faith in Jesus, we partake of the glorious gift of God’s grace. We do nothing to earn this grace—Jesus did it all!

 

Yes, God is more than ready to overwhelm you with every form of grace, so that you will have more than enough of everything—every moment and in every way. He will make you overflow with abundance in every good thing you do.   –2 Corinthians 9:8  (TPT)

Paul tells us that it is God’s grace in our lives that equips us with all that we need to be able to do good things because of Him. This grace will provide the strength, courage, and words to share God’s goodness with others when we need it. It empowers us to be Christ-like by sharing kindness, generosity, and compassion with others. All the good that we share in this world is a result of God’s grace.

What a gift God’s grace is to us. We are made right with Him because of Jesus, and then God continues to give us grace to live righteous lives so we can share abundantly what we have been given. We get to share it with all we encounter as well as ourselves. It is important to treat ourselves with grace too—with  kindness, self-compassion, understanding, and respect.

 

Photo courtesy of Photo Bungler under Creative Commons License (CC BY-ND 2.0)

 

In thinking of Jesus and the quote, I interpret it like this, especially in light of Him sacrificing His life for us.

 

 

God’s grace provides us with the opportunity of a free, unmerited gift of Jesus shedding His blood for our sins. Jesus is obedient to God because of His love for God, His Father, and for each one of us. Jesus experienced God’s grace, providing Him the courage, strength, and willingness to suffer a brutal death so we can spend eternity in their presence.

 

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  –John 15:12-13  (NLT)

What a beautiful example Jesus is with laying down His life for His friends. Scripture says there is no greater love than to lay down our life for others. Jesus did this literally with His own life. May it touch your spirit to know how loved you are.

 

Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.  –Luke 23:32-34  (NLT)

Jesus, though innocent of any crime, was put to death as criminals were. Despite all the hardship, punishment, and beatings He endured, He asked God to forgive them. He did not despise them or even say a bad word to them.

 

Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.  –John 19:28-30  (NLT)

“It is finished!” What powerful words from Jesus as He took His last breath—for you and me. That final step when God’s grace was made available for all humankind. Jesus met and redeemed our sinful nature, our imperfection because of Adam and Eve’s sin of eating from the Tree of Life .

 

What a beautiful acrostic for the word grace:

 

 

In thinking of us and the quote, I interpret it like this:

 

 

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.  –Titus 2:11-14  (NIV)

Because of God’s grace that He freely gives to us, we are able to share that grace with both others and ourselves, which we might often overlook. Grace gives us the ability to live godly lives, being self-controlled, righteous people who share kindness and forgiveness and are non-judgmental nor condemning. 

 

 Be encouraged this week to…

… reflect on and thank God for the two types of grace.

… write a heartfelt letter to Jesus thanking Him for His love and sacrifice for you.

… let Jesus’ love emanate  from your actions.

… practice extending acts of grace to others and especially yourself.

 

REFLECTION:

When did you see God’s grace shine forth?
How can you grant yourself some of God’s grace?

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  –2 Timothy 2:1  (ESV)