From a biblical perspective grace is defined as underserved favor. A central concept is that grace cannot be earned. It is something that is freely given by God. We count on God’s grace and the bridge he has built between us to have a relationship.
I was taught at an early age that God’s marvelous grace is extended to everyone. So, what is this “marvelous grace” unconditionally extended to us? In her song “He Looked Beyond My Fault,” the great spiritual singer Dottie Rambo sang, “Amazing grace shall always be my song of praise, for it was grace that brought my liberty. I do not know just why he came to love me so, but he looked beyond my fault and saw my need.”
Everyone should have a song of praise that brings comfort to them during times of distress. When you are facing more problems than normal, know that God’s marvelous grace is what can help you through your trials and tribulations. Think back on those days when you felt God’s amazing grace, and how you remained faithful even as you experienced terrible suffering. God’s grace gave you strength to endure.
Evangelist Oswald Chambers wrote: “Conscience is that ability within me that attaches itself to the highest standard I know, and continually reminds me of what that standard demands that I do.”
God’s marvelous grace always guides us, even in the smallest details of our lives. He does not speak with a voice like thunder; his voice like grace is gentle so that it is easy for us to follow his instructions. Apostle Paul wrote that with a clear conscience, we can say that we have lived with God-given sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom.
This is how we should live and conduct ourselves in the world, and especially toward one another. The gold standard for God’s grace is when our consciences are clear, we can come to the Lord with perfect assurance and trust, knowing he will grant whatever we ask even if it is undeserving or unearned.
Can you think of a more perfect service to embrace than God’s marvelous grace? His grace will sustain you through the bad times and the good. But most of all, his grace is sufficient for all our problems and needs in life. So Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!

By Dr. Walter Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net