We often talk about God as a God of mercy. Mercy means that God does not give us the judgment we deserve. But the gospel goes even further. God is not only a God of mercy; he is also a God of grace.

Grace means God gives us what we could never earn. His grace is not vague or generic. It is abundant and specific. He gives us salvation. He gives us His presence. He patiently transforms us. And, amazingly, He invites weak and imperfect people like us to participate in His work in the world.

We can become so familiar with these truths that they no longer surprise us. So, reflect on this for a moment: “It is by grace you have been saved…not by works.”

You did not earn your place with God. Neither did I. And when I truly live in that reality, I find freedom and joy. My labor and effort become a response rather than a request. And I see others as brothers and sisters in the same condition as mine. Whether they are pious or irreligious, kind or cruel, they are neither better nor worse than I am. They are just like me; weak and vulnerable, broken and insecure, dependent upon the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior. 

That is an unexpected blessing from God. God does not merely tolerate undeserving people. He pours out grace upon them… and we are ALL undeserving.

Final Thought: Count the ways God has been gracious to you. Make a short list and thank Him, then pray that those you come across today would experience that same grace.