The gift of grace is unearned favor. It is not a reward for good deeds, but rather a free gift from God’s boundless love and mercy. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
The gift of grace is God’s unmerited favor—a free, undeserved gift of love, forgiveness, and salvation offered through the Lord, not earned by human works. The gift of grace empowers believers to live righteously and overcome sin, acting as a spiritual lifeline for help and strength. Grace is God’s generous, unexpected love and acceptance extended to all, enabling a transformed life.
Imagine you broke something valuable, and you could not fix it or pay for it. Grace is like someone stepping in, not just forgiving the debt but also giving you the tools and ability to build something even better–all because they love you and want you to succeed.
Beyond just forgiveness, grace also provides the divine help and strength to overcome temptation and live a life pleasing to God. Living a life pleasing to God because of his grace involves a heart of faith, daily practices like prayer and actions that show love and obedience. For example, being kind to others, helping the needy, forgiving, and striving for moral excellence.
When you are living a life that is pleasing to God, your behavior is worthy to be praised. Living a life of grace means accepting God’s unmerited favor, responding with gratitude and effort, and extending that same kindness, forgiveness, and understanding to yourself and others. It is letting go of perfectionism and focusing on love, peace, and growth rather than self-sufficiency or earning favor.
Living a life of grace is about embracing divine strength in weakness and living with compassion, patience, and gratitude daily. It is recognizing God’s power as an energy source that allows you to do what you cannot do on your own. This empowerment helps you overcome challenges, show kindness to all of humanity and let go of internal grudges.
While grace is unearned, it is not opposed to effort. You must actively open yourself to it, train your soul, and choose to live a life that honors the blessings God has given. So, as we prepare for this Christmas, remember to extend grace toward others. Remember that his grace is sufficient for all your needs. Merry Christmas and be blessed. Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
Dr. Walter Ghosten
