Receiving His Grace

“But by the grace of God, I am what I am.” - 1 Corinthians 15:10

As we think about the grace (God’s undeserved favor or generosity) we need to distinguish between three biblical terms. Justice, which is deserved punishment; mercy, which is exemption from that punishment; and grace in spite of what we may deserve.

Let me illustrate. Suppose a police officer arrives at the scene of an accident where you carelessly jumped the curb, damaged your car and ran over one of Oviedo’s chickens. He gives you a ticket for reckless driving and informs you that the city will contact you about the chicken (you are in trouble) – that is justice. But let’s say the officer feels compassion. He tells you that accidents happen to the best of us and there are plenty more chickens in Oviedo. He does not give you a ticket and says the city would replace the chicken. You would say, “that’s incredible” – that is mercy. But let’s say the officer was really generous. He told you that he was not only not going to give you a ticket, but he then proceeded to write you out a check to pay for the damages to your car and he personally replaced the chicken. You say, “that’s impossible.” But, that is grace. Favor given when punishment is deserved. Obviously, that does not fully embrace the concept of grace. God is generous. It is not that He merely gives out of His wealth, but He gives of Himself. His grace cost Him the best that He had – His Son, Jesus Christ.

What is the key to receiving this grace? Humility - “But He gives a greater grace Therefore it says, "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) As we humble ourselves before God, He will give us more grace.