"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." Ephesians 1:7
One of God's many attributes is grace. Grace and mercy go hand in hand. They both begin and end by the same Person, flowing from the same source, but they are not the same.
Mercy is not receiving the penalty we do deserve; but grace is receiving the blessing we do not deserve.
The definition of grace is - goodwill, kindness, and benefit. It evokes images of a superior granting favors to an undeserving people. The Lord's grace includes undeserved favor, unexpected acceptance, and unconditional love.
Jesus is the ultimate giver of grace.
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
God's gifts include: salvation (Eph. 2:8), adoption (Eph. 1:5), inheritance (Eph. 1:11), heavenly citizenship (Phil. 3:20), access to God (Eph. 2:18), preparation for service (1 Pet. 2:5-9), the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13), the armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18), and so many, many more. No wonder His grace is called "manifold."
"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (1 Pet. 4:10)
We should be asking for God's grace daily. It is a free gift, given to us abundantly by our Savior. When we experience the power of God flowing through us; that is His amazing grace.
We should steward grace well by using our gifts He gives to us. Pray for God's guidance in using your gifts for His glory.
We should be increasing in grace through His power with every trial we endure in our life. When we are weak He pours into us what we need to overcome, and through that we become stronger. Our grace is multiplied through the knowledge of our Lord.
"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Cor. 15:10)
Sin is no match for God's grace. Whatever sin's impact may be, His grace is more potent. God is a giving God. He gives out of His love and loves to give. Grace is one of His greatest pleasures.
"Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself." (Eph. 1:9)
There are so many wonderful scripture passages to read today I could have gone on forever. It does my heart good to dig into His Word and learn more and more about Him. He is a good God. He knows what to give His children and He gives generously. We serve a loving, kind, heavenly Father and I am honored to be called His child.
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, I praise Your holy name! Thank You for Your endless gifts and most importantly the gift of Grace. What peace it gives me as I am reminded of all the details You have taken care of for my life here and the one to come. I am sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise and I will praise You for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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