Lynda Mac Donald, Nova Scotia
The word grace is found over 166 times in the New Testament. The
believer of today is taught that grace means “the unmerited favour of God”.
Could it be that we are confusing this word “grace” with “mercy”?
Mercy
is receiving from God things (His love, forgiveness, gifts, etc) that we do not
deserve and not getting from God what we do deserve (condemnation, judgement,
etc). These ways of God are acts of mercy. Because of His love we receive His
mercy- unmerited favour.
Let’s
look at scriptures that don’t make sense with this definition of grace.
Jesus was perfect (1Peter 2:22) and never needed the “unmerited
favour of God”.
Now take a risk at re-thinking what you thought grace is by using
this definition:
“Grace
is-The empowering presence of God, enabling us to be what God created us to be
and to do what He called us to do.”
It
is the power that allows you to fulfill God’s purpose in your life. Like the
believers in Acts 4:33 (NAS), we can say “with great power..”
Notice that power and grace are twins. They appear together and
work hand in hand.
Acts
11:21 (NIV) “The hand of the Lord was with them..”
Grace
is the invisible power working in us giving results that we can see. Acts
14:3 NIV
Ephesians
4:4-7 (NAS) One body, one Spirit, one hope, one LORD, one
trust, one immersion and one God BUT to each of us is given “grace to be
apportioned”.
This
scripture tells us that in almost everything we are together with the exception
of grace. That is a personally- experienced thing.
His
calling and purpose have to be centre-stage to accomplish the giving of grace.
John
1:16-17 (NAS) Grace is not just something God gives to
us, it is God in us- his presence in us working to complete His purpose. There
is never a need in your life that is beyond the power of God.
1Cor
1:4-7 (LB) God gives us, by grace, the power of speech and
knowledge beyond what we naturally have. Why have gifts if there is no power to
operate them?
The
song “Amazing Grace” verse 2 “Through
many dangers, toils and snares I have already come. ‘Tis grace that got me safe
thus far and grace will lead me home.” Now that writer knew the truth about grace.
We constantly need grace in our daily life. Without grace, we don’t
have a prayer of growing and doing effective things for God. Why is it so important to teach believers
about grace? Notice how many believers never seem to grow or make a mark in this
life for God. There is no evidence of fruit that shows there is a healthy,
spiritual life within.
Without
the understanding of what grace is, there is no way to bear fruit. (Col 1:6)
Anytime we meet a situation or need to big for us, we can cry out to God “Give
me some grace. I need your grace!!!!!!!!”
We
act in a humble attitude admitting our weakness and the need for help. It is
when humbleness arises. God says clearly in 1 Peter 5:5-6 that God opposes the
proud- the “I can do it all by myself” people, but gives grace to those who cry
out for help.
