What is Grace and How Do We Receive it?

Often times we have found ourselves discussing this "thing" called Grace. What is it truly and what do I have to do to receive it, Paris? That's the question. Before we dive into this topic, I believe it would be better to define what Grace is NOT. Grace is not to be abused, it's not to be weaponized, or distributed stingily. Grace is not intended to manipulate God or force His hand in something. Grace is not to be ignored, it does not reside in pride and ego. Grace will not give you a license to sin, and Grace will not remove the consequences of our decisions.

Now, what IS grace then? Just tell me already! Well, Grace is kind, it is measured not by our feelings or intentions. Grace is freely given and Grace is always abounding. Grace is comforting, it is evolving, it is unmerited, it is necessary and it is imperative to your everyday walk. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us this: 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.

Given this scripture we see that Grace here is being described as a SAVING grace. Break that down, Paris, sure. We as believers have been saved by Grace which means that there was nothing that was required of us in the place of action except simply have faith. Now, this is important because the next angle may be problematic. Stick with me here. This Grace as aforementioned was freely given to us through Faith as a gift. Because of God's Love, He extended this to us. Let's go a little deeper here.

Grace is simply the ability to do what God has enabled us to do, by His power and through His Mercy. (Now, we'll dig into Mercy on another day, stay focused!) I'll say that again. God's Grace is the ability for us to do what He has enabled us to do by His mercy. That lays it out for us that apart from Christ, we can do nothing. THIS is a key piece as to why you may find yourself burned out or frustrated in the assignment God has GRACED you with.

God will curate situations, dreams, ideas, and instructions that will cause you to stretch. You will be tested, you will be tried, you will be held accountable and you WILL need God. He has purposed it this way. How often have we found ourselves asking God for help, or to remove a "thorn from our side" and His response is: My grace is sufficient enough. In those moments we don't want to hear this; however, how you respond determines your maturity level.

Now that I have laid a groundwork, let's get to the meat. Grace requires participation from God. This post is not to make you feel good. We are in a season of hyper Grace theology that makes us believe that we do not have to live Holy, be obedient or focus on the tasks God has laid before us. Please, please, please, let me dismantle this thinking. If God has enabled us to do something, that means he expects us to do it. God does not waste his investments on anybody. For every Saul, there is a David. (Read your bible, it's in there.) Grace is separate from the Anointing, let's be clear, but Grace is solely dependent on God, his power, and His authority.

Grace, to be effective, requires obedience, acceptance, and execution. That project, that job, that song, that book, all these things you are capable of doing with God's power, and with His authority. Remember, it is by and with His Grace that we are enabled to do it. It's still expected of us to move, to lay our hand to it, to get it done, and to act!

I'll close with this. When you move, when you act, God activates and releases the Grace. I must be honest with you. Grace will bring ease, but it will NOT keep you from feeling, it won't keep you from crying, it won't keep you from questioning if you made the right decision. It won't help you be certain that you heard God clearly. You will be frustrated, you will want to give up, you will want to quit, but you will succeed, by God's Grace.

Give it freely, know that it is expensive as Jesus granted it to us by the finished work of the Cross. Know that God's love will carry you through, know that God is with you in and through this and that you are not alone. Know this: 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Be encouraged, obedient, diligent, faithful, and consistent. By His Grace you have been saved and enabled to accomplish all that you dream you can. I have faith in YOU, and so does God. Don't waste His investment.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Heb 4:15.

Sited References: The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Eph 2:8–9.