AS JESUS SHOWERS US WITH HIS GRACE, WE EXTEND GRACE TO OTHERS
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“Grace is heartfelt, tinged with love, a spillover gift of the God who extended undeserved favor toward us.” – Philip Yancey, Christian author –
When we think of grace, we think of Christ. He is the ideal of grace. Grace is defined as “undeserved, unmerited, unearned favor”. What a perfect description of our Lord’s benevolent love and sacrifice for us. We were unworthy. He made us worthy. We were lost in our sin. He saved us. We had no hope. He became our Living Hope.
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18
Love is the motivation behind grace. Jesus looks upon us with love. He knows our frailties, our weaknesses, our struggles, our temptations. Yet He pours out His grace upon us, knowing how desperately we need it.
Those who are forgiven much love much. As we come to realize the depth of our sin and the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice for us, we begin to see others with the same compassion as our Savior. We look beyond their imperfections and see their need for the love and grace our Lord so lavishly shares with us.
“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
Everyone needs grace. Grace is the olive branch, however undeserved we may think it to be, extended in love. When we meet up against obstinacy, pride, intolerance, selfishness… rather than responding in kind… we model Jesus as we offer much needed grace. Our lives are to be lived in gratitude to the One who gave His all. His love in us overflows to the people in our lives.
Grace is God’s gift to us. When we look to Jesus, we bloom and grow in grace. How meaningful is the acronym for grace – “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense”. We remember His ultimate sacrifice and are willing to give His grace to those around us. Our lives begin to mirror His with greater clarity. This is His utmost desire for us.
