#299 GIFTS OF GRACE 10-17-26

Grace is one of the richest treasures God gives us, yet its gifts are often found in places we least expect. We naturally think of grace as forgiveness for our sins, but the grace of God reaches much further. It saves us, sustains us, teaches us, strengthens us, and enables us to serve others.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10). He understood that everything worthwhile in his life was rooted in God's goodness. His salvation was a gift, his calling was a gift, and his strength to labor was a gift. Grace did not make Paul idle. It made him useful.

God's grace also teaches us how to live. Titus 2:11-12 tells us that the grace of God brings salvation and teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. Grace is not permission to remain unchanged. It is God's loving instruction, leading us toward holiness and Christlikeness.

And when our strength fails, grace remains sufficient. The Lord told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

We cannot purchase grace, earn grace, or boast in grace. We can only receive it with humble hearts and share its blessings with others. Every morning brings another opportunity to live as a recipient of God's grace and become an instrument of that grace in somebody else's life.

BDD