Empowering Lives with Purpose

GRACE

God’s grace is thrilling beyond words, but how can it be described? Grace is one of God’s attributes—it is who He is. Its simplest definition is unmerited favor or unconditional love. If we did not have God’s grace in our lives, we could not go on with a purpose to serve Him and be a light to a world without hope.

We do not earn or deserve God’s unmerited favor or His unconditional love, and circumstances, such as our good behavior, never limit either. God’s grace is His love poured out for all of us, even when we are unlovely. Have you ever been ugly to somebody? When we are hurt or hurt others, unforgiveness often leads to a broken relationship. How can we go on serving God if we allow hurt to fester in our relationships, are unforgiving toward others, or decide not to do our best to care for the hearts and feelings of others? We cannot. Our purpose in serving God and building His kingdom for His glory is thwarted when we refuse to operate in His grace.

Grace is all that which we do not deserve. It is most clearly expressed to us in the promises of God, revealed in Scripture and manifested in Christ.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)

In grace, God gives nothing less than Himself, as He did in Jesus Christ’s act of redemption that bridged the otherwise insurmountable chasm between God and sinners. If we are Christ followers, we live every day by the grace of God—both receiving forgiveness according to God’s grace and being infused with the ability to transform our desires, motivations, and behaviors so we can forgive others. “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” I cannot imagine where my life would be without God’s forgiveness for me through Jesus Christ. I am a wretched person, but God, in His grace, equips me with the freedom to empower others by giving me what I do not deserve—the freedom to serve my King.

Circumstances in life can challenge us and suffering will come upon us, often putting us in tricky situations. But God’s Word tells us that He gives us grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16 NIV).

Our God of grace can restore you, confirm you, strengthen you, forgive you, and establish you. Despite whom you have been or who you are now, God is a God of grace, mercy, and love to you. His love reaches and exceeds your own limitations of belief. Today, let us thank God for the grace

He gives us to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We can each become a vessel to be used for His glory because of His grace. May we all desire His gift of grace.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

Kimberly Hobbs Founder & co-CEO
kimberly@womenworldleaders.com
Ephesians
3:20