"God's Grace"

May 25, 2023 | By Chuck

 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5) I grew up hearing from my parents and grandparents how hard work pays off. It was instilled in me to work hard to earn a living for my family. I wholeheartedly believe in these ageless and core key principles that are good for each generation. I want to be clear, I believe in hard work and working hard to earn your way. But I can’t help but wonder if these teachings that many of us grew up with have hurt our understanding of God’s grace.

            We are saved by God’s grace, and His grace is totally free. We can’t do enough work or work hard enough to earn God’s grace. We can’t say enough prayers, serve enough people or work in enough church ministries to earn God’s grace. We understand that none of us are even deserving of God’s amazing grace. Maybe that’s why we tend to want to do something to earn grace. We have a hard time accepting free grace without having to work for it. But God’s grace is a gift and available for all.

            “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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)