Grace, by definition, is unmerited favor and/or blessing. I am very grateful and humbled that my kind neighbor, Theo, has shown me grace two different times for the same offense. The first offense was when I was trimming bushes two summers ago and accidentally cut through the extension cord that Theo had loaned me to use. I remember feeling embarrassed when I had to tell him what I’d done. Though I offered to buy him a new cord, Theo calmly replied that he could repair the cord and he indicated no sense of condemnation or disgust. The second offense was last week when I was power cutting down some tall perennial flowers that had died back for the season. Once again, I sliced through Theo’s cord that was entwined among some other flowers. Feeling very blonde, I had to tell Theo that I had “done it” yet, once again, Theo kindly told me again that he could repair the cord. In fact, he repaired it quickly and returned it to me within the hour. Can you identify this feeling of grace, with me? Can you think of a time when a friend or loved one has shown grace to you? Are we equally as eager to show grace and forgiveness to others in place of condemnation? How can we do less when we think of what God has done for us?
As Christians, God’s grace is poured out to us in abundance and without measure! Titus 2:11 says, “For the grace of God – His unmerited favor and blessing – has come forward for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all mankind.” (Amp) God gives us grace for our sins, a much more serious offense than a cut extension cord, when we seek His forgiveness and show repentance. We are encouraged to approach the throne of God “fearlessly or confidently and with boldness, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in good time for every need, coming just when we need it.” (Hebrews 4:16) Praise the Lord!
The lyrics to “HE GIVETH MORE GRACE” say it perfectly: He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as the labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
Refrain:
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will up bear. -Don Moen
In addition, the hymn, “GRACE THAT IS GREATER” says it well: Marvelous grace of our loving Lord
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.
Grace, grace, God’s grace
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within
Grace, grace, God’s grace
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace
Freely bestowed on all who believe
You who are longing to see His face
Will you this moment His grace receive? -Bart Millard
Dear Lord, as I thrill to the precious gift of Your grace to me, may I be reminded that I should extend that same precious gift of grace to my family and friends, as well.