PRAYER PROMPT ••• I love the word “grace.”
It’s a simple word with a variety of meanings.
The definition we focus on is “the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.”
It’s the grace described in Ephesians 2:8-9 that inspired the name of this website.
And you can barely hear the word without thinking of “Amazing Grace.”
When it comes to God’s grace, we know several things.
- It is through grace we are saved (John 3:16-17, Acts 15:11, Romans 5:8, 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, Ephesians 2:8-9, Colossians 2:13-15, Titus 2:11-12).
- Grace gives us strength (Isaiah 40:31, John 15:5, Acts 20:32, Romans 6:14, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 2 Corinthians 9:8, 2 Corinthians 12:9).
- God’s grace is plentiful and He gives it generously to anyone who asks for it (John 1:16, Romans 5:20, Ephesians 4:7, 2 Timothy 1:9, James 4:6, 2 Peter 1:2).
- We don’t deserve His grace (Romans 5:17, Titus 3:5-7, 1 John 4:10).
- We can’t lose His grace (Romans 8:15-16, Romans 8:38-39).
Aren’t those wonderful, comforting promises, especially since we are in constant battle with our sinful natures?
As the recipients of such abundant grace, how are we called to extend grace to others?
Definitely through forgiveness.
If Jesus was willing to die for our sins, isn’t it only fair that we forgive those who do us wrong?
And right there is our ah-ha moment.
Forgiving others who have hurt us is so hard.
But in the challenge, we develop a better understanding of the miracle of grace.
We know we aren’t perfect, but here is our holy God who is perfect and yet perfectly willing to lavishly pour His grace on us when we humbly repent.
If He, in all His greatness can do that for us, the task of forgiving others becomes far easier.
Because it was given to us, the least we can do is share it with others.
Including ourselves, and forgiving ourselves is among the most difficult kind of forgiveness!
(Trust me; I know.)
Today, as you pray, thank God for His amazing, abundant grace.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you share grace with others, as a reminder of generous God has been with you.
