Accept the Free Gift of Grace.
“ And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer
be grace . . . ” (Romans 11:6).
Many Christians—even seasoned believers—struggle with giving and accepting grace. Pastor Robert Morris defines grace as the unmerited, undeserved, unearned kindness and favor of God. Though James 1:19 calls us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger, often the opposite happens! We’re slow to listen, quick to speak and quick to anger! Our sinful nature has caused us to be this way. We’re so quick to point out flaws and slow to understand people that it’s no wonder we struggle with giving and accepting grace!
As Christians, we have grace. It’s built into our souls the same way the Holy Spirit dwells within us. It’s impossible to work for grace because grace is a free gift from God. Grace is wonderful because God is wonderful! In this sermon, Pastor Morris also references the Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible which defines grace as, “the dimension of divine activity that enables God to confront human indifference and rebellion with an inexhaustible capacity to forgive and to bless.” It’s through this divine concept of grace that salvation happens. God forgave our wrongs (sins) by and through grace so that we can have an everlasting relationship with Jesus.
This free gift came at a huge cost—Christ’s life—and even though He didn’t deserve His death on the cross, out of His love for us, He gave us everlasting life! Let’s extend our hands with the love and compassion of Jesus, and release grace into our world which desperately needs to know Him. And while you’re doing so, remember that grace rests in the palms of your hands—meaning it’s meant for you too!