The late D. Martin Lloyd-Jones provided an excellent picture of what grace is all about: “There is no
more wonderful word than 'grace.' It means unmerited favour or kindness shown to one who is utterly undeserving.” While the apostle Paul expressed grace this way: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NIV). No matter how one looks at it, God’s grace is a fact we need to accept that is anchored only in the personhood of Jesus Christ. He alone carried grace for humanity’s sake. During His lifetime, Jesus manifested it, and those who received it benefitted greatly from it. But most importantly, in His death and resurrection, He made it available to everyone who believes in Him. Unfortunately, there are those who also reject grace without considering the eternal impact of being separated from God. |
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Throughout the pages of the Scriptures, illustrations of God’s amazing grace are continually revealed. Here are two examples of God's amazing grace for our learning and reminder: Adam and Eve clothed by God with the skin of an animal before leaving the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:21). The woman caught in adultery received grace from Jesus’ intervention: Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:10-11, NIV).
In these settings, while God extends grace, human beings must be willing to receive the favour offered by God. God provides grace, but humanity must accept it for its maximum benefit in one’s life. It is not just about receiving grace but living out God’s amazing grace on a daily basis.
First, we begin by communicating God’s amazing grace to others in need through personal witnessing. Robert Murray M'Cheyne expressed it this way: There cannot be a secret Christian. Grace is like ointment hid in the hand; it betrayeth itself. If you truly feel the sweetness of the cross of Christ, you will be constrained to confess Christ before men.
Next, let’s do it by celebrating God’s amazing grace with others in the community of faith through personal testimony. Francis Chan explained how it works: We should be so joyful from God's grace that others would respond by saying, 'I wish I had your God.
Lastly, it is by extolling God’s amazing grace as a witness to the unbelieving world through personal consecration. Andy Murray described it this way; “Time alone with the Lord Jesus each day is the indispensable condition of growth and power.”
As a personal example, being a father of two beautiful young adults, extending grace is a constant exercise in releasing it on a daily basis. At times, frustration and impatience occur. Nevertheless, withholding grace is never an option. What prompted me to extend grace? It is love and hope for a better tomorrow for my children. Here’s the gist: parenting with grace is showering them with much love and hope.
Grace without these two ingredients is an exercise in futility. Similarly, God’s grace also includes love and hope for a better tomorrow. He wants the best for everyone who accepts His amazing grace. If you receive it, things happen for the better, but if you reject it, you’ll miss what could have been the best time of your life. May you receive His grace when He offers it to you today.
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