What is Grace Really?

According to the Western Christian theology, grace is “the love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not necessarily because of anything we have done to earn it.”

According to Christian teaching grace is unmerited mercy (favor). Grace and mercy go hand in hand here. Grace is a gift we don’t deserve, while mercy is not getting the punishment we deserve.

Let’s look at a few scriptures that will help develop the concept of grace within ourselves. In doing so we will learn how to receive the grace and mercy of God. In exchange we will be able to show that same grace and mercy to others.

2 Corinthians 12:9, But he said to me, “My grace is sufficent for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So what is this saying? No matter what you face in life, no matter the challenges you may have to go through, you are promised God’s unmerited favor, even if you got yourself in the situation. Why? Love and Mercy. When you feel like you can’t go on, that’s when God says to you, “My grace, my unmerited favor is present. It’s enough for you to be able to pull through this, regardless of how you got yourself in the situation.” His power, his strength is made perfect in your weakness. Greater is he who is in you, then he who is in the world. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.

Romans 6:14, “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” So what does this mean? No matter your failures or your mistakes they have no dominion, no power or control over you. The enemy is the one that tries to hold you under the oppression of our failures not God. You are under grace. Your mistakes and failures and short comings do not define who you are, grace does.

James 4:6, But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” If you ever find yourself in a place that you feel that someone else doesn’t deserve the same grace that was given to you, because their sin may look bigger, be cautious. God gives grace to the humble, those that come before him in reverence and receive the free gift of grace, despite what others may think. Grace is when your willing to say you where wrong and you position yourself to be opened to the Word of God.

Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” When you have found yourself in a place to where you know you messed up, don’t allow yourself to be deceived. Receive what Jesus did for us. With confidence go before God and receive mercy. Let his grace help pull you up. No matter what you’ve done his mercy, love, forgivness and grace is there. You just have to receive it. If you don’t have the confidence to go before God and receive what belongs to you, and you feel condemned by the enemy, then how can you really show grace and mercy to others? You cant. What you end up showing is condemnation by things you say, things you post, things you listen to. See the enemy is sneaky, he roams around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Don’t allow him to come in and cause havoc when your to draw near to God and receive what belongs to you, so that you can show the same grace and mercy that was given to you.

John 1:16, “And from his fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” Stop and think for a moment. How many times have you messed up and your still here? Why do you think that is? because Gods wrath was already poured out on Jesus. In exchange when you mess up there is grace every time. Regardless of what that mistake is. The Bible says you are created in Gods image, his likness. With that being said, I personally have to learn to show the same grace every time I’m done wrong. Personally I have struggled with this more times than one. But because of Jesus, I can come boldly before the throne of grace and receive his grace and mercy. When I do that, I can then show the same grace and mercy to others regardless of how many times the wrong me. Not saying its easy but it is doable if I make myself subject to him.

2 Timothy 2:1, “You then, my child be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Find your strength in God to where you can receive the free gift of grace and mercy that is given to you. Don’t allow yourself to be deceived any more by the enemy. Don’t allow yourself to feel condemned and judged anymore. You are forgiven, you are given grace and mercy period. When others bring up your mistakes just let them know you are walking in your free gift of grace and mercy.

Be free!!! You are fearfully and wonderfully made in his image! You are confident and strong in the Lord! You are full of life, joy, grace and mercy!You are his masterpiece!You are enough! You are strong and courageous! You are vigilant and steadfast! You are loved!