What is grace?

The very best way to answer this question is to search the Word. In doing that I found there is more to grace than the standard answer of ‘undeserved favor’.

Paul, the Apostle of Grace, uses the word 86 of the 131 times it’s used in the ESV of the Bible. It is used more than the word forgiveness. (109 times in the ESV.) To me that says it’s really an important concept.

As for underserved favor, it is certainly that. It is basically a free gift, from God, that we did nothing to deserve. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:15 NLT

There is another part of grace that we don’t always think about. Grace is God’s power to change our ability to live an obedient life. Paul explains it really well in 2 Corinthians 9:8 – And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. This aspect of grace is not only about treating people better than they deserve (Yes, we’re supposed to do that, too.). It’s about the ability to accept practical help, from God, when we need it, to use for the purpose He has for our lives.

Think about His love, think about His goodness, think about His grace, that’s brought us through. (Click on the blue letters to link to Don Moen’s beautiful song.)

Abba, Merciful, Wonderful Savior, thank You for the gift of grace. Show us where You want us to do the work You have planned for us. Send us out to share Your undeserved favor.