It is by the grace of God that we stand. If it were not for God’s grace none of us would have a testimony. Through shouts of grace from within us we bring forth the nature of God’s love. When we realize the importance of His grace in our lives it makes it easier to extend grace to others as well. His grace takes us from one season into the next because none of us can claim that we are perfect in ourselves. It is His perfection that works inside of us to form us into the image of Christ.
Our Need For the Grace of God
For us to grow we need to have our roots deep in the grace of God. Paul exhorts Timothy as a son in the faith that it is of utmost importance that he be “strong” in the grace of God.
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:1
What does this mean to be strong in the grace of God? This means that grace is a necessary solid foundation for our thinking. There are certain biblical truths that are essential for us to grow up healthy and strong that we may bear the fruit of righteousness. We see in Paul’s letters that he greets the saints and seals his letters with words of encouragement in God’s grace. Even Jesus Himself, through the grace of God, made the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind (Hebrews 2:9).
The Divine Purpose of Grace
I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.
Galatians 2:21
When we begin to live by a list of things to do, rather than the grace of God flowing out of relationship by the Holy Spirit, we revert to an inferior standard of living by the law. Living by rules, laws and programs forfeits the grace of God and makes what Jesus accomplished on the cross of no effect in our lives. The law kills, but the Spirit gives life infusing the grace of God in our hearts.
The Grace of God Working Inside of Us
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
1 Corinthians 15:10
We must always remember that if we have accomplished anything that seems to be significant for God’s Kingdom, whether it is big or small, it was only by His grace working inside of us. Here is Paul’s disclaimer, “YET NOT I, but the grace of God…”. Paul is giving God the credit here saying, “I labored more abundantly… but only through His grace in me.” When we really understand that it is His grace within us doing the work we get the right perspective on things.
If which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
Ephesians 3:7
We are all ministers of reconciliation by His grace. God is the One who qualifies us to do His work. He makes us competent ministers. We live by the power of God, His grace working inside of us.
Extending the Grace of God
Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.
Hebrews 12:15
As we more clearly embrace the grace of God that has been extended to our lives, we too can extend grace to others. There is no room for self-righteousness in our lives. If there is anything good in our lives it is because God worked it in us by His grace. Jesus extended grace to those who reviled, insulted and mocked Him. They sentenced Him to death on a cross but He still said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). How much more should we embrace the grace of God for our lives so that we may live a life worthy of His Name.? Let shouts of grace resound inside your heart today.
Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of grace, grace to it!
Zechariah 4:7