SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1056

“Abundant Grace”

…and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:14)

Have you ever thought to yourself that you deserve much better or more than what you currently have? In today’s entitled society we seem to covet more and more of what ‘others’ have and we do not want to work for it. During this Christmas holiday shopping season I see everyday how the mass merchandisers appeal to this covetous sense telling people they deserve it, so buy it even if you cannot afford it.

As I pondered this I considered what I truly deserve in God’s economy. I found myself thanking God for not giving me what I deserve because what my sinful nature really deserves is the full measure of God’s wrath. O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear…in wrath remember mercy. (Habakkuk 3:2)

God’s mercy precedes His grace. His mercy is God not giving us what we deserve. It stems from His longsuffering love and kindness toward us. But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15)

God’s grace is God giving us what we do not deserve. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people… (Titus 2:11)

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—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 2:4-5; 8-9)

Perhaps you have done wrong to someone and they refuse to forgive you. Know this: While in this life, you are never too far from Christ’s forgiveness. You only need to call out to Him. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! (Psalm 51:1-2)

The enemy of your soul may tell you that you are not worthy, that your sins have been and are too great for you to even consider lifting your eyes to heaven and praying for forgiveness. These are lies from the pit of hell. In God’s mercy and love He is patiently waiting for you to come to Him. In His grace He is ready to forgive and transform your heart. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.(2 Peter 3:9)

Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays seem to blend together which, in a sense, they should. We have so much to be thankful for because of God’s mercy and grace bringing salvation through Jesus Christ.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)