“For it is by grace that you have been saved, not by works…†(Ephesians 2:8 NIV)
Grace is God’s unmerited favor. That is, grace is God doing good for us that we do not deserve. Grace can also be defined as God’s sufficiency or God’s fullness in the life of the believer. Following Grace is mercy which is not being punished when we should be. God told Paul “my grace is sufficient for you.†(2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV) God’s grace in us is sufficient for whatever we might face.
We don’t need to strive to earn grace, nor do we need to prove our goodness. Today’s culture is confusing us with a mixed bag of concepts. The older generation was brought up that whatever we want we have to earn; “nothing in life is freeâ€. Today’s generation thinks they are entitled to have what they want. The thought of working for something is lost on many people because the mind- set today is that world owes them.
For those who believe in God, the attitude changes and we find what we need and what we want are not the same. However, we realize through faith and prayer, our needs are met by the grace of God.
For Christians it may be confusing to understand that Grace is God’s gift. We are told we don’t have to earn it by works, but on the other hand we will be judged by our good works. Each believer will be rewarded according to his own labor for they are fellow workers for God. (1 Corinthians 3:8) We store up rewards in heaven, not for worldly possessions. (Matthew 6:20)
Believers know that once the Spirit enters into us, working for God is something we want to do, not be forced to do. We don’t do it to gain points toward heaven, but pleasing God is our motivation. (Ephesians 5:10) We ask Him to help us spread the love to others that He gives us. So what we do to serve God is our joy and our commitment to love and obey Him. His ultimate gift of grace is salvation that is available to everyone through faith. If we accept the gift of grace we are promised eternal life.
1 Corinthians 15:10 “By the grace of God I am what I am.†NIV Amen