What Grace Is and Isn’t

Preacher:
Series:
Date: March 7, 2023

We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus. Acts 15:11

 

Imagine you’re at a park observing a child repeatedly hitting his mother. Each time, his mother says, “I forgive you.” Is that a show of self-control, kindness or grace?

 

Have you ever stopped to think about what grace is and what grace isn’t? Grace doesn’t mean that God looks the other way at our sin, but He forgives and through His grace, gives the strength to change. Like the kid on the playground, we need forgiveness, but we need to learn a new way of living.

 

We are like that child; we need forgiveness, but we also need God’s help to change. Thankfully, God has made a way. Jesus gives us something more than mercy for sins–He gives us something called grace!

 

Grace is God’s power that helps us to receive His love and to love Him and others. It helps us be able to do things we otherwise wouldn’t be able to—to say no to sin and yes to God! When scripture tells us, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength” (Mark 12:30), it’s grace that enables us to do it.

 

God welcomes us when we come to Him in need of His grace. You can simply ask for it to strengthen you and help you grow in love. The Bible book of Acts says, “We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 15:11). Even a simple, 10-second prayer breathed in a moment of need asking for help is valued by Him and will not go unanswered. Ask God for greater grace in your life today!