Grace, what is it?

Many define God’s grace as something we don’t deserve but receive anyway.  In an article on Christianity.com, Justin Holcomb writes, “Grace is the love of God shown to the unlovely; the peace of God given to the restless; the unmerited favor of God.”

Jesus died a substitutionary death for all of us for the forgiveness of sins and, because of that, we all have an open invitation to spend eternity in heaven. Let me say it this way — Christ died for you! He loves you! Do you believe it?

So how does this tie into the fruit of the Spirit? It’s about God’s faithfulness.

God is faithful (Ps. 33:4). He remembers his promises. In a radical demonstration of deep love and faithfulness (1 Cor. 1:9), God determined to save us by sacrificing His sinless Son (John 3:16).

Ephesians 4:7 says each of us has been given a special gift through the generosity of Christ (NLT). That special gift is God’s grace. This is only possible because of Jesus’ death on the cross.

But is it an end or a beginning? What do you think? I prefer to think of it as a beginning. Out with the old and in with the new!

We are new in Christ Jesus. Paul tells us to put off the old self (Ephes 4:22-24) and put on a new self (Col3: 12-15), and God is faithful to help us do that (1 John 1:9). He provides the Holy Spirit to renew our hearts and minds to continue the transformation as we progress through life (Rom. 12:2). Be transformed, friend!

How can we show faithfulness? Sticking with a friend in need. Continuing the work, to which you are called. Caring for your aging parent or sibling. Checking in on your neighbor. Praying for that coworker that never smiles. These are only a few examples, but you get the concept.

How do you live out faithfulness?

Galatians 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (NLT)

If you haven’t accepted Jesus into your heart yet, if you are still deciding, please consider it today. Go to this post to see how easy God makes it for us.

 

Click the link to read a related post about accepting Jesus today – All Great Adventures Begin with the First Step

Go to the Table of Contents to read more posts in this series as they go live.

It’s October so this must be time for 31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free-Writes. The event is hosted by Kate Motaung over at Five Minute Fridays. We write daily for five minutes, or maybe a bit longer. The point is to write. Kate provides writers with a one-word writing prompt each day. Today the prompt is DEEP.