“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:6–9

Introduction

There are times in life when we become very aware of our weaknesses, mistakes and shortcomings. We may look at where we have failed and wonder whether we are still worthy of God’s love. Yet, it is often in these moments that we need to remember one of the greatest truths of our faith: God’s grace is greater than our failures.

Grace reminds us that God does not deal with us according to what we deserve. He meets us with mercy, lifts us when we fall and gives us the strength to keep moving forward. His grace is freely available, sufficient for every situation and powerful enough to transform our lives.

As we conclude our reflection on grace, let us consider why we should receive God’s grace and mercy and allow His grace to work fully in our lives.

REASONS FOR RECEIVING GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY

God’s grace and mercy are available to us, but we often have difficulty receiving them each day. No one is perfect, and we all fall short. When we do, God desires that we grow, learn and draw closer to Him for guidance and direction.

Instead of clinging to God, however, we can sometimes be hard on ourselves because of our shortcomings. We place unrealistic expectations on ourselves and others and try to handle everything in our own strength.

If you have been overly critical of yourself or struggling to receive God’s amazing grace and mercy, consider these uplifting truths.

1. God’s Grace Is a Free Gift

We do not have to earn, work for or buy God’s grace. It is a free gift given to us.“He has saved us and called us to a holy life, not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” – 2 Timothy 1:9

God’s grace is given out of His love for us and reassures us that we are not alone. Despite the different seasons and challenges we face, God’s grace continues to cover, guide and lead us each day.

2. God’s Grace Is Sufficient

Another uplifting reason to receive God’s grace is that it is sufficient for us and never runs out. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

There is nothing we can do or have done that places us beyond the reach of God’s grace. His grace carries us and sustains us when we are weak, discouraged or overwhelmed.

Sometimes we wish that God would remove every difficulty from our lives. But there are occasions when, instead of removing the difficulty, God gives us sufficient grace to go through it.

His grace gives us strength where we have none of our own.

3. God’s Grace Helps Us to Forgive Ourselves

God’s grace allows us to receive His forgiveness and walk in His victory. However, this is not always easy. It is a daily decision to receive God’s grace as we engage with the joys and challenges of life.

Christ’s death has secured forgiveness for our sins, but we do not always extend that same grace to ourselves or to others.

How can we learn to receive God’s grace?

Each day, we can celebrate our blessings and recognise the things that are going well in our lives. We can meditate on Scripture that reminds us that we are forgiven by God.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

Do not retreat from God because of your failures. Draw closer to Him. He desires to show us that He is our loving Father who can help us change and grow.

TEN BENEFITS OF GOD’S GRACE

Grace is not only what saves us. It continues to work in us throughout our Christian journey. God’s grace sustains us, equips us, transforms us and enables us to fulfil His purposes.

Here are ten great benefits of God’s grace:

1. We Are SAVED by GRACE

The only way to Heaven is through the doorway of grace. We cannot earn it, work for it or buy it. –Ephesians 2:8–9

2. We Are FORGIVEN by GRACE

Though we do not deserve it, God wipes our slate clean through His grace.-Isaiah 43:25

3. We Are SUSTAINED by GRACE

God gives us the ability and power to do what He calls us to do. His grace gives us strength when we are weak.-Philippians 2:13

4. We Are HEALED by GRACE

God heals our broken hearts and binds up our wounds, showing us His love and compassion.-Psalm 147:3

5. We Are LIBERATED by GRACE

Our relationship with Jesus is not about a long list of burdensome duties. It is about resting in what Christ has already done for us.When our Christian life becomes centred only on trying to earn God’s approval, we can easily move into legalism. Christ calls us to find rest in Him.- Matthew 11:28–30

6. We Are GIVEN TALENTS by GRACE

God has given each of us gifts and abilities, and we are called to use them for His glory and the benefit of others.-Romans 12:6

7. We Are USED by GRACE

God uses us to fulfil His purposes in this world, not because of our own achievements, but through His grace working in us.-Ephesians 3:7

To be continued!

Stay Blessed!

Please Note : The preaching programme on Sunny 88.7 FM every Tuesday at 5:30 a.m. has been temporarily put on hold.However, please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM every Sunday at 5:30 a.m. and YFM 107.9 every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. for our Radio Bible Study, as well as on Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. for Hymns and Their Stories.

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