Grace is unmerited favor. It is getting something you don't deserve and not getting something you do deserve. When God gave me a life with Him He gave me something I didn't deserve and He took away my eternal suffering which I did deserve. When my parents don't punish me as hard as they could they give me something I don't deserve and take away the hard punishment I do deserve. Every nice thing I have ever recieved in my life from my parents is through grace because I am not a perfect child and do not deserve there love or their gifts. It is even more so with God. Yet He still blesses me and gives me gifts of grace. He is good.
Grace is a gift. You don't earn grace, you can't really ask for grace, you do nothing that whatsoever deems you grace-worthy. Grace has to be given. You can't buy it or make it, you have to be given grace. God gives each and every one of us grace every day and what a gift it is. If Jesus had not given me grace, I would be going to hell when I die. Because of the gift of grace, I can go to heaven. I can enjoy a happy eternity with my creator because of grace. Grace is the best gift you can receive.
The biggest grace I have ever gotten, and get every day, is from God. I am a sinner- I envy and don't worship God like I should. I see it as a cause and effect situation. Because of God's incredible love for us, the cause, we are spared from carrying the burden of our sins, the effect. God could have chosen to kill Adam and Eve when they committed the first sin, but he gave them grace. So because of God's grace, I can live my life knowing that I get to go to heaven when I die. Another grace I have received from God is a passion to do something. God's grace has given me the ability to want to do something with my faith and help others. If God hadn't given that kind of grace to anyone, I'm not sure how well off we'd be.
"If you fall down 8 times, stand up 9." Grace is shown by the person who helps you stand whenever you fall. Someone who keeps you from failing because they want you to succeed is an example of grace. In many lives, this person who insistently offers a hand each time is God. Something I learned this past summer is that God wants me, God wants all of me. Even if I mess up and sin 100 times against him, He will accept me back and care for me. That is mercy, and that is grace. Grace is also the acceptance of faults, and the understanding that humans will sin because of their flawed nature. God know this and overlooks it because, if we want Him, He will welcome us with open arms through his graceful heart.
Grace is an undeserved gift that I have been given by God. Because of the grace that God gives me each day, I am able to live my life, recognize my sin, and know that God will always have grace on me, no matter how badly I mess up. As Jerry Bridges once said, "Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace." The promise that the Lord gives to his people in the Bible is a comforting promise--- HIS grace is sufficient for us. NOTHING else will give us as much peace as does the grace of God. John Newton, writer of Amazing Grace said, "I am a great sinner, but Christ is a great Savior." Though I am deep in a well of my sin, "Christ is a great Savior" and has dragged me out of my despair, and into the light. THIS is true grace.
Grace has been given to me as gift from God. I am a sinner just like everyone else, and sometimes i feel like we don't deserve the Grace that God gives us. Because of God's grace, i know that he will always forgive when i sin. I know that because of God's grace i am going to heaven when i die. "The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you" i know that God will always protect no matter where i am. His grace is so strong we should never be afraid.
Grace is selfless love. Jesus' showed grace when he died on the cross for mankind in order to clear their sins. Grace is an innate quality of God. When we are weak, God feels the weakness, whenever we mistep it burns Him. This is what leads God to shower his grace so that we may all be more loving and better devotees of Him. Grace cannot be expected. It must be sought through selfless actions or if one is weak or desperate it will come naturally just as long as you don't take it for granted. God's grace is highlighted in adversities and weaknesses. You can feel the power of God's gracewhen you experience pain because He is the one that relieves you of that pain. God's grace is also forgiveness. Everyday we sin, but it is His nature to forgive us and let us move on. God's grace also has the power to save in terms of sinful souls and turn them into renewed people. Grace is a facet of love, Love is God, God is love.
Grace is an unmatched gift. We are so sinful and weak that without the daily gift of God's grace, we would not survive. God does not base the amount of grace he gives you on the size of your sins. However, as it says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Each and every one of us are given sufficient grace because of our brokeness and weakness. We did nothing to receive this amazing gift. We are flawed and because of that, God's power is made perfect because of our sins. God's grace takes the blame from our sins. The grace of God will never fail, and will always protect you.
This grace in my life. To me grace appears everyday, sometimes with notice sometimes without. Common grace is something everyone in this world couldn’t live without. Whether it’s holding the door open for an elderly woman, giving food to a homeless man on the street, volunteering at charities, or even helping your friend on their homework. These simple, kind gestures are what makes our world a better place to be in. Theological grace is a whole other story. It is the miracles we see every day in the news. It is God coming into our world and saving us. It could be the power of prayer, the sudden strength we are given in a time of need, or what makes you get out of bed in the morning. God’s grace is endless. This gift will always be with you, it is always something to lean against. In my life, God’s grace keeps me going everyday, because I know there will be something better in the end.
Grace is something you can only be given. No one is going to get grace by themselves. You can give grace to someone who does something to hurt you but you can't force someone to give you grace. Sometimes you don't even chose to give grace but you do. God gives us grace without us even having to ask for it constantly, he knows when we need it. We are all sinners but yet he sent Jesus to die for our sins. Because of God's grace we can all go to heaven after we die because of the grace God gave us. No matter how many times we mess up God will forgive us because he knows we are imperfect.
Grace is love personified. I have been given grace in all facets of my life by different people. My parents give me the amazing grace of allowing me to go to a fantastic school everyday, and furthermore, they give me the grace of forgiving me when I'm ungrateful for it. I've been given grace by anyone who has ever done anything kind for me: no matter how big or small. God has given me grace by giving his Son to die for my sins and allow them to be forgiven. Often I think that grace is given to me without my knowing, for example, when someone opens the door for me or looks over my paper in my moments of panic. I recently stumbled upon a quote: "I will hold myself to a standard of grace - not perfection." I think this is truly a fantastic quote - perfection is unachievable, but I think that everyone can strive to be a gracious person.
Grace is something that is important in everyone's every day life. It is something that has to be willingly given by someone else. You can not take grace and you can not force someone to give you grace. Grace is when someone gives you something you do not necessarily deserve, but you need. Giving grace is not always easy, but neither is receiving it.
We receive God's grace is all facets of our life. Sometimes we do not realize it, but God's grace is never ending. Paul thought that God was punishing him, but in reality God was giving him grace to become stronger in his faith. God gave us grace to save us from the sins around us, but we have to make the decision to take it. We may feel like we have not received any grace, but we actually have not found it in the correct place.
I think there are two kinds of grace. Grace with a big G and grace with a little g. Grace with a big G is knowing that no matter what you do, you will always be loved by God. It's knowing that Jesus died for your sins and because of that you are perfect in God's eyes. Grace with a little g is when people do things for you that you don't deserve. When you ask for an extension on a paper or project and your teacher allows it. When you're having a bad day and you are angry, but your parents do something nice for you. Grace with a little g is seeing God in people and seeing God in yourself. It's doing something that the person doesn't deserve because God would.
My dad always used to tell me "Mercy is not getting what you do deserve and grace is getting what you do not deserve." To me, this quote means that mercy is not getting a punishment that I do deserve but grace is receiving a blessing or second chance that I do not deserve. This quote has stuck with me because it is so true. Grace is someone being selfless enough to give you something which you have done nothing to deserve. Grace is also one of the most amazing things you can give someone. A lot of times when I think of grace I think of all the times other people have given me grace and let me off the hook, but it's hard to remember when I have done the same for others. God gave us the biggest grace by dying on the cross so we do not have to suffer in hell but have the opportunity to be forgiven and saved, so why do we not give others grace on a daily basis. God has given us grace, so we should return it to others. Grace isn't a reward, it is a gift.
Grace is heartfelt kindness, love, and forgiveness. God provides us with his Grace and we return the favor with our graces. God's Grace is his love for us and our graces reflect his grace in our own kind and forgiving actions. In order for people to be the spiritual beings God made us, we need to love one another. But sometimes we slip and fall of the path of His example. But there is no need to worry because God is always there to catch us with His ultimate gift of Grace, forgiving us for our sins and loving us no matter what. Grace like God surrounds us, even though sometimes we choose to ignore it. And everyday we make choices to either bring grace of our own or hide it away. Although we sometimes make choices that have less grace than others, grace is always there, we just need to take the time to see it.
This is grace in my life. In my life I find grace through all those different people in my life. Grace is something each and every one of these people give to me. Whether its through people helping me or laughing with me they each give me grace. But since grace is so often just handed to me, I also see grace in those who choose to receive it. This common grace is something I see so often from those who offer forgiveness and kindness to me. I also see God's grace This is grace in my life. In my life I find grace through all those different people in my life. Grace is something each and every one of these people give to me. Whether its through people helping me or laughing with me they each give me grace. But since grace is so often just handed to me, I also see grace in those who choose to receive it. This common grace is something I see so often from those who offer forgiveness and kindness to me. I also see God's grace through God. He forgives me daily and provides for me, his son died on the cross for to let our sins be forgiven.
This grace in my life. Grace is given graciously and received every day to many deserving as well as undeserving people. Sometimes a small act of grace whether a act of kindness or some sort of donation can turn someones day around. Grace is contagious, once its given it motivates others to do the same. Undeserving people that are given grace can turn them into deserving people or change their attitude/ outlook on the day. We must not be greedy with grace but willing to be the givers. A great quote by Sarah Ban Breathnach says “Grace is available for each of us every day - our spiritual daily bread - but we've got to remember to ask for it with a grateful heart and not worry about whether there will be enough for tomorrow.”
To me, grace is a simple passing of unearned love. A connection that thrives between an invisible relationship in which one of them steps up to catch the undeserving other. Each of us will face problems that hinder our abilities, but each of us will also run by outstretched hands of grace. It is easy to pass by and ignore the ones who are always there when we need them. They are taken for granted and rarely receive a simple "thanks". However those are also the ones that might catch us when we fall. It is their decision to give grace or to ignore the situation like we ignore them. Everybody has their own grace to give, but no one has their own grace to use. Because grace is such a rare and often difficult gift to receive, you have to jump on the opportunity when it comes. Grace comes when you have lost both love and bright ideas. Two things that one really shouldn't lose in any situation; however it is the mercy of both God and the people around you that understand with compassion and this unconditional love to stop and pick you up and force you forward. Grace meets you at your weakest moments. When you are weak, that is when you become strong.
A person is never deserving of the grace they are given, but rather grace is given when they deserve it the least. Everyday my life is filled with grace. Most importantly, God sent His son to die for me, a sinner. We are so undeserving of this passionate grace that God has imparted on us.
This is grace in my life. God has given me grace when I was given my life. Whether we see it or not grace surrounds us. We are all blessed with the grace of our family, friends, and the lord. Without God’s grace I would not be at GPS, I would not be with my awesome family and I would not have the amazing friends I have. Because of God’s grace when I was born I was blessed with a new life and beginning. My life has been pretty hard and challenging but because of God’s Grace I’m able to push through it.
Grace is something given from God because of His love for us. We don't deserve it, which is why it is called grace. Grace gives us laughter, smiles, sunshine, all of our favorite things. Grace has given me, personally, a family, a house, love, friendship, and a great school to go to. We are graced with forgiveness and love for each other.
This is grace in my life: Grace is something that we can never fully understand. However, I do know that Grace is a God given gift. It is the greatest possible gift that he has given to his worst possible sinner, me! We are so undeserving of his grace and forgiveness, but it is forever fulfilling. It surrounds us and gives us peace. Because of grace, I know that God will never leave me alone no matter what I do. From my family, friends, opportunities, and relationship in the Lord, I see common and theological grace everyday in my own life. GRACE IS THE LOVE OF GOD IN ACTION. It is so important to thank the Lord for the grace that we have been shown! In the words of the great songwriter John Newton, "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me....I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see. T'was Grace that taught...my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear...the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares...we have already come. T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...and Grace will lead us home."
I have been surrounded by friends and family that have been the most loving and supportive people, and I am truly blessed to have them in my life. My parents have pushed me to be the best I can be, and are there for every step. My sisters are always around to make me laugh and goof off with. My neighbors are like my extended family. The Longs have taught me what it truly means to love all of God’s creatures, big or small. The Voges have taught me to love the earth, and never take things for granted, to live adventurously. The Towns and Willinghams are always up for a good laugh and midnight talks by a big fire. The Pettways have been my second set of family, always welcoming the neighbors down for a big bonfire in the field. Mrs. Mann has taught me that even with struggles in life, women have the ability to keep strong. These people are what have made me into the person I am now, and I would be lost without their constant encouragement and love. This is grace in my life.
I heard a song once with a line that really stuck with me, and I think it does well to describe grace - he sings, "if grace is an ocean, we're all sinking." To me, grace is an indescribable vastness, so large that we literally drown in it. I find it hard to give grace a definition; instead I define it by the things that happen to me – the opportunities I have that I don’t deserve, the family I’ve grown up in when I could just as easily have been born into an unfortunate life. This past weekend, as my neighborhood gathered to plant trees to replace those that were destroyed in the one year anniversary of the tornado, I saw overwhelming grace in our ability to put aside differences, get our hands dirty, and give to one another that which had been taken away.
“The law detects, grace alone conquers sin.” –Saint Augustine of Hippo
This is grace in my life. I experience grace every single day of my life. Just as Frederick Buechner said, “a good sleep is grace and so are good dreams.” This is so true for me. There are very few nights in which I feel prepared for the next day’s classes. So, a good night of sleep is certainly grace from school/homework. I receive grace from my mom, from other family members, from myself, from friends, from God, and from nearly everyone around me. I cannot even count the number of times I have been disrespectful or mean to my mother in particular. However, she loves me despite this. Because of her unconditional/agape type of love, my mom shows me grace everyday. I am selfish oftentimes and do not realize how my actions affect others. At times, decisions I make negatively affect the people surrounding me. My friends and family members do not punish me severely for these actions. I have made a few true friends that I know will never leave my side. No matter the circumstance they will be my friends just as I will be theirs. Making bad decisions should force me to face negative consequence, yet I continually receive grace and acceptance from my friends. Homework is a constant struggle with me, but at times I allow myself to put it to the side and focus on other activities. I give myself grace knowing one bad grade won’t kill me. No matter the circumstance I receive grace from someone around me because of his/her love.
I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be. And by the grace of God, I am what I am. Grace to me can be defined by all of the opportunities I have been given that I dont deserve. The grace of God is a gift. Grace gives us a special feeling of hope and happiness. As we give grace in helping and caring for others, that grace is contagious. At the same time, it is easy to take the people who truly care for us for granted. Everyone is given the opportunity to know grace, but not everyone knows how to give grace properly.
Grace. It is forgiveness given when not deserved. It is a small miracle that comes in the most needed times. It is something found every day here at GPS. Cliche as it is, I must talk about Les Mis for this. The whole play is about Grace: the grace of love, the grace of god, the grace of forgiveness. Starting with the Bishop giving grace to Jean ValJean for stealing, the play plot takes off as ValJean changes his life around to make up for the second chance he was given. Then he gives grace to Javert who cannot live with that type of debt and is driven to take his own life, realizing he had never given or received such graces before. Marius and Cosette share the grace of a love so powerful, it is brought on by a single glance. These graces are the theme of the play, and were brought to life with the showing given by GPS and McCallie. Working on Les Mis with this cast was a grace in itself for me. Though I got behind in school, I would never change getting to know the people I worked with and grew to love. This is the grace in my life and in the lives of so many others shared through a universal production.
John Updike says, “Rain is grace; rain is the sky condescending to the earth; without rain, there would be no life.” This is grace in my life. It's a gift that I am not worthy of. It can be seen each aspect of my life. My parents, teachers, friends, and God show me this undeserving gift. God gives us this gift of grace, which creates for me an everlasting feeling of peace. Despite all of my imperfections, God loves me. He accepts each of my flaws and continues to show grace in His love. He gave his Son to die for our sins, so that I don't have to. His grace and love is something that I can't even begin to fathom, but I know it will never fail.
"Do you hear the people sing? Lost in the valley of the night It is the music of a people Who are climbing to the light, For the wretched of the earth There is a flame that never dies Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise."
- Victor Hugo, Les Miserables
This is grace in my life:
The lyrics to such a seemingly simple song have changed my perspective on grace over the past month or so. I was extremely privileged to be a part of the Les Mis production by playing in the orchestra. Coming into this experience, I didn't really know what I was getting myself into -- sure, I had heard the stories of late nights spent doing homework, the dreaded "tech week" and the inevitable drop in grades. Yet, I told myself I could surely make it past all that, and it would be worth it in the end. This turned out to be much more true than I could have ever expected. I have fallen in love with this beautiful story of grace, love, mercy, and redemption. Seeing the play time after time in rehearsal didn't turn into a routine, contrarily, it personified the meaning for me. Just to cite a few examples, Valjean is shown grace by the bishop, Fantine is showed grace by Valjean, Marius was shown grace by Valjean, possibly Eponine, of course, Valjean shows grace to Javert, and the list just goes on. The most important thing I realized was that grace shown in one person's life can effect many more people than just that one. By showing grace just to one person, the effects can be much more than we may ever realize. This grace in my life was also found just in participating in the musical. I was able to make new friends, grow closer to acquaintances, learn some of the songs myself, and fall in love with the characters that my own friends and classmates become while they are on stage. This type of grace is common grace, but another grace I experience every day is God's grace. God's grace is so infinite and evident in my life I can't even count the ways He has shown it to me. GPS is one of the biggest ways God has shown grace in my life. Giving me an amazing family, phenomenal teachers, and caring friends is another. Most importantly, because of God's grace I have forgiveness that I will never, ever deserve. He said that His grace is sufficient for us - one of the most blessed promises in the Scriptures. Trusting in God's grace daily is one of the best decisions I have ever made. This is grace in my life.
I have had so many times where grace has been given to me. Grace is hard to understand, and it is not deserved. Sometimes it's hard to know when to give grace, but you know when you receive it. Grace is a blessing, and sometimes you have to give yourself grace.
This is grace in my life. God shows His grace in so many unique ways. It is of His grace that we are able to love, be forgiven, and live. This is all common grace, grace granted to every human on the face of the earth, one not specified to His followers. Though, when I think of His common grace the first thing that comes to mind is food. So simple and necessary, you must eat to live, but eating is also such a pleasure. God did not create a burden for men when He created food. On the contrary, the satisfaction and enjoyment that food gives helps us understand the true grace and beauty of the Lord. Such a necessary thing, food is, and also so enjoyable. God’s common grace is everywhere. A sweet dream, a supportive friend, being able to marry freely, having children, eating, and even simply a relaxing day are all examples of common grace. There is also a grace of God that is called theological grace or saving grace. It’s not about me or my accomplishments… All my efforts are in vain unless God is working with and through me. It is the grace of God in my life that has value. It is what endows my ability. I am a product of His grace. The verse I use to describe myself is more than just words. It is a daily reminder to keep myself in proper perspective to God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me (First Corinthians 15:10). Grace is a gift from God. There are those who simply define grace as "God’s unmerited favor." While this is a truthful definition in that there is nothing we can do to deserve God’s favor, this definition is incomplete. The Bible is where we will find the true definition of grace. Jesus Christ performed the work for our salvation. His death, His suffering, His blood earned the Grace (check) for us.
This is grace in my life. One of my favorite bands, The Fray, wrote a song called "Be Still," and the chorus of the song states, "be still and know, that I'm with you; be still and know that I am here." These lyrics truly strike a chord with me when speaking on grace because in order to experience grace, we have to recognize it in its many forms, and know that it lives all around us. I believe that grace is God, simple as that. His love pours out to us, and therefore, his forgiveness and acceptance of us does also. How great is it to be able to experience grace in God's form? Because to me, it sounds amazing, and I feel overjoyed that I can have that thriving through my life even though I can be a horrible sinner at times. There is never any guessing when it comes to God; he will always love me, have mercy on me, and give me grace.
Grace is something that can be interpreted with many different meanings. Many people have said that it is a gift given to you, but what does that mean? Is grace the eternal love God gives you and the forgiveness of your sins? I feel that grace is a very vague word, but I know that it is always there. If God's grace is his undeniable, eternal love that he gives us everyday or his ability to forgive those who have done the worst wrongs. His ways are unreal, and difficult to understand. Even though we may not be able to feel the grace, it is always there given to us in generous amounts.
“Beauty without grace is the hook without the bait.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Grace is more than forgiveness. It is a selfless forgiveness and a value of another human being. Hannah Mask and I are were talking about grace recently, and I love the way she put it. She said, grace is indefinable. I agree. Grace is something we feel; grace is something we experience; grace is something that comforts us. I think that grace is alive in my life by the family that loves me, the opportunities that I have, the life that I live. Grace creates beauty in the world.
This is grace in my life. Grace is an act of undeserved love. Grace is something you can’t ask for or expect to be handed to you. Grace is a blessing we receive when we don’t deserve it. The fact that I wake up every morning is just one example of the way the Lord shows me his infinite grace. There is no law or order that says I must live; only by the grace of God am I able to. Grace has no strings attached to it, no rhyme or reason to why it is being done. It isn’t preplanned and cannot be forced. True grace is going out of your way to help another person, even when they don’t deserve it. Grace isn’t always easy or convenient. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He showed us the ultimate act of grace. When I personally think of grace, the word beauty is intertwined within it. That’s because when someone shows grace, has grace, and is empowered by grace; that is a beautiful moment that cannot be replicated. The best kind of grace is a quiet, meek, humble grace; the kind that is done out of the kindness of your heart. As James 4:6 says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
A quote by lindsey Lohan says "Beauty is grace and confidence. I've learned to accept and appreciate what nature gave me." and another says "Beauty without grace is the hook without the bait." by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Beauty is one thing but with Grace it is another. Grace makes beauty special and not vain or conceited. Grace is the main part of true beauty. The people that are beautiful because of Grace my not be physically beautiful but are beautiful in the heart. their beauty comes from the Grace in their hearts and that is the most important thing and to surround your self is even more important, i try to do that every day.
"Grace needs to be the air we breathe, the atmosphere we live in, whether in church or in the home." - Allen Snapp -- Allen Snapp is saying that people need to give grace as well as accept grace. God gives grace to his people all the time. All humans sin and God forgives us every time. He shows mercy and grace to us all day everyday. Grace defined simply is when someone is given something they do not deserve. If a person messes up but does not see repercussions for their actions they have seen grace.
“You called, You cried, You shattered my deafness, You sparkled, You blazed, You drove away my blindness, You shed Your fragrance, and I drew in my breath, and I pant for You.” – Augustine
This quote represents the true meaning of God's grace. Through God's love, we were created. He created us all differently but for a certain purpose. When he gave us life, he did not intend for it to be an easy journey. We are meant to go through struggles in life in order to learn a lesson or realize something. He plans each dilemma but he is always a step behind us, there to catch us when we fall. Because God's grace may seem invisible at times but it is always there when we most need it. We may have sinned or feel at our lowest point, but no matter how deep we fall we are never beyond God's grace. He wipes our tears, he gives us his hand when we fall, and he gives us the strength to carry on. So, when God calls on us, we have no choice but to listen. He cries out our name and calls us back home. He relieves us of our pain and takes the load off of our shoulders. He opens our eyes when they are closed and he lifts our head up to look at him. God comes at us, shining like the sun, and we are breathless at his sight and presence because we can neither understand his love nor will we until we have a true relationship with him. We can't understand his grace because it is overpowering like his unconditional love. His love can break diamonds and shatter windows. It can cure even the darkest of hearts. It can reach into depths far beyond our imagination, and it can save even the most wretched souls on earth. God's grace relieves us of our disabilities so that we can once again be whole. God sheds the Holy Spirit upon us so that we may live and breathe through God. We are devoted followers to the Lord, and we look up to him with as much love as his gives to us.
This is grace in my life: “And then, what is grace? Grace is love. But grace is not love simply, and purely, and alone. Grace and love are, in their innermost essence, one and the same thing.”- Alexander Whyte While writing this in a conscious stream of thought, I stumbled upon this quote that took the words right out of my mouth. As the quote says, I believe that grace and love are truly one in the same. Without love, we cannot experience grace, but without grace, we may never know true love. Love is when a person cares so deeply for another that they would do anything for them, whereas grace is both the care and the action of love. Grace is the selfless, caring deeds by which true love works. Anyone on Earth can have common grace when someone acts upon them with a selfless and possibly undeserved act of love. But it is only by theological grace, the grace from God, that we are truly blessed. God loved His children on Earth so much that He sent His only son Jesus to die for their sins, just so that they could all live in Heaven with Him someday. This sacrifice shows what true love looks like, and it is only by that love that we can receive saving and fulfilling grace from God.
In so many ways I have experienced grace in my life. I receive grace from my mother and father everyday when they do their best to care for me. I receive grace from my teachers when they try everyday to teach me lessons from the textbook and lessons from life. I receive grace from my friends when they comfort me or share their help with me on homework. My life is filled with grace, given to me by all of God's people surrounding me. Though I receive all this, the ultimate form of grace in my life is given to me by God. He gives me grace by allowing me to learn and love all of His creations. God gives me grace by allowing me to create a relationship with my horses, a change not many people get to have. God gives me grace by guiding me through the ruff times and rejoicing with me in times I'm so happy I could sing. Most of all God shows me grace by showing me his love.
I was blessed with God's grace the second he made me. He loved me so much he decided to let me live in this world that he created. He allowed me to live and love everything he had created with touch, taste, sight, noise, and smell. And I thank him everyday for that.
The greatest expression of God's grace in a person's life is not its demonstration toward others, but its response to God and His cause.
Grace is unmerited favor. It is getting something you don't deserve and not getting something you do deserve. When God gave me a life with Him He gave me something I didn't deserve and He took away my eternal suffering which I did deserve. When my parents don't punish me as hard as they could they give me something I don't deserve and take away the hard punishment I do deserve. Every nice thing I have ever recieved in my life from my parents is through grace because I am not a perfect child and do not deserve there love or their gifts. It is even more so with God. Yet He still blesses me and gives me gifts of grace. He is good.
ReplyDeleteGrace is a gift. You don't earn grace, you can't really ask for grace, you do nothing that whatsoever deems you grace-worthy. Grace has to be given. You can't buy it or make it, you have to be given grace. God gives each and every one of us grace every day and what a gift it is. If Jesus had not given me grace, I would be going to hell when I die. Because of the gift of grace, I can go to heaven. I can enjoy a happy eternity with my creator because of grace. Grace is the best gift you can receive.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest grace I have ever gotten, and get every day, is from God. I am a sinner- I envy and don't worship God like I should. I see it as a cause and effect situation. Because of God's incredible love for us, the cause, we are spared from carrying the burden of our sins, the effect. God could have chosen to kill Adam and Eve when they committed the first sin, but he gave them grace. So because of God's grace, I can live my life knowing that I get to go to heaven when I die.
ReplyDeleteAnother grace I have received from God is a passion to do something. God's grace has given me the ability to want to do something with my faith and help others. If God hadn't given that kind of grace to anyone, I'm not sure how well off we'd be.
"If you fall down 8 times, stand up 9." Grace is shown by the person who helps you stand whenever you fall. Someone who keeps you from failing because they want you to succeed is an example of grace. In many lives, this person who insistently offers a hand each time is God. Something I learned this past summer is that God wants me, God wants all of me. Even if I mess up and sin 100 times against him, He will accept me back and care for me. That is mercy, and that is grace. Grace is also the acceptance of faults, and the understanding that humans will sin because of their flawed nature. God know this and overlooks it because, if we want Him, He will welcome us with open arms through his graceful heart.
ReplyDeleteGrace is an undeserved gift that I have been given by God. Because of the grace that God gives me each day, I am able to live my life, recognize my sin, and know that God will always have grace on me, no matter how badly I mess up. As Jerry Bridges once said, "Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace." The promise that the Lord gives to his people in the Bible is a comforting promise--- HIS grace is sufficient for us. NOTHING else will give us as much peace as does the grace of God. John Newton, writer of Amazing Grace said, "I am a great sinner, but Christ is a great Savior." Though I am deep in a well of my sin, "Christ is a great Savior" and has dragged me out of my despair, and into the light. THIS is true grace.
ReplyDeleteGrace has been given to me as gift from God. I am a sinner just like everyone else, and sometimes i feel like we don't deserve the Grace that God gives us. Because of God's grace, i know that he will always forgive when i sin. I know that because of God's grace i am going to heaven when i die. "The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you" i know that God will always protect no matter where i am. His grace is so strong we should never be afraid.
ReplyDeleteGrace is selfless love. Jesus' showed grace when he died on the cross for mankind in order to clear their sins. Grace is an innate quality of God. When we are weak, God feels the weakness, whenever we mistep it burns Him. This is what leads God to shower his grace so that we may all be more loving and better devotees of Him. Grace cannot be expected. It must be sought through selfless actions or if one is weak or desperate it will come naturally just as long as you don't take it for granted. God's grace is highlighted in adversities and weaknesses. You can feel the power of God's gracewhen you experience pain because He is the one that relieves you of that pain. God's grace is also forgiveness. Everyday we sin, but it is His nature to forgive us and let us move on. God's grace also has the power to save in terms of sinful souls and turn them into renewed people. Grace is a facet of love, Love is God, God is love.
ReplyDeleteGrace is an unmatched gift. We are so sinful and weak that without the daily gift of God's grace, we would not survive. God does not base the amount of grace he gives you on the size of your sins. However, as it says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Each and every one of us are given sufficient grace because of our brokeness and weakness. We did nothing to receive this amazing gift. We are flawed and because of that, God's power is made perfect because of our sins. God's grace takes the blame from our sins. The grace of God will never fail, and will always protect you.
ReplyDeleteThis grace in my life. To me grace appears everyday, sometimes with notice sometimes without. Common grace is something everyone in this world couldn’t live without. Whether it’s holding the door open for an elderly woman, giving food to a homeless man on the street, volunteering at charities, or even helping your friend on their homework. These simple, kind gestures are what makes our world a better place to be in. Theological grace is a whole other story. It is the miracles we see every day in the news. It is God coming into our world and saving us. It could be the power of prayer, the sudden strength we are given in a time of need, or what makes you get out of bed in the morning. God’s grace is endless. This gift will always be with you, it is always something to lean against. In my life, God’s grace keeps me going everyday, because I know there will be something better in the end.
ReplyDeleteGrace is something you can only be given. No one is going to get grace by themselves. You can give grace to someone who does something to hurt you but you can't force someone to give you grace. Sometimes you don't even chose to give grace but you do. God gives us grace without us even having to ask for it constantly, he knows when we need it. We are all sinners but yet he sent Jesus to die for our sins. Because of God's grace we can all go to heaven after we die because of the grace God gave us. No matter how many times we mess up God will forgive us because he knows we are imperfect.
ReplyDeleteGrace is love personified. I have been given grace in all facets of my life by different people. My parents give me the amazing grace of allowing me to go to a fantastic school everyday, and furthermore, they give me the grace of forgiving me when I'm ungrateful for it. I've been given grace by anyone who has ever done anything kind for me: no matter how big or small. God has given me grace by giving his Son to die for my sins and allow them to be forgiven. Often I think that grace is given to me without my knowing, for example, when someone opens the door for me or looks over my paper in my moments of panic. I recently stumbled upon a quote: "I will hold myself to a standard of grace - not perfection." I think this is truly a fantastic quote - perfection is unachievable, but I think that everyone can strive to be a gracious person.
ReplyDeleteGrace is something that is important in everyone's every day life. It is something that has to be willingly given by someone else. You can not take grace and you can not force someone to give you grace. Grace is when someone gives you something you do not necessarily deserve, but you need. Giving grace is not always easy, but neither is receiving it.
ReplyDeleteWe receive God's grace is all facets of our life. Sometimes we do not realize it, but God's grace is never ending. Paul thought that God was punishing him, but in reality God was giving him grace to become stronger in his faith. God gave us grace to save us from the sins around us, but we have to make the decision to take it. We may feel like we have not received any grace, but we actually have not found it in the correct place.
ReplyDeleteI think there are two kinds of grace. Grace with a big G and grace with a little g. Grace with a big G is knowing that no matter what you do, you will always be loved by God. It's knowing that Jesus died for your sins and because of that you are perfect in God's eyes. Grace with a little g is when people do things for you that you don't deserve. When you ask for an extension on a paper or project and your teacher allows it. When you're having a bad day and you are angry, but your parents do something nice for you. Grace with a little g is seeing God in people and seeing God in yourself. It's doing something that the person doesn't deserve because God would.
ReplyDeleteMy dad always used to tell me "Mercy is not getting what you do deserve and grace is getting what you do not deserve." To me, this quote means that mercy is not getting a punishment that I do deserve but grace is receiving a blessing or second chance that I do not deserve. This quote has stuck with me because it is so true. Grace is someone being selfless enough to give you something which you have done nothing to deserve. Grace is also one of the most amazing things you can give someone. A lot of times when I think of grace I think of all the times other people have given me grace and let me off the hook, but it's hard to remember when I have done the same for others. God gave us the biggest grace by dying on the cross so we do not have to suffer in hell but have the opportunity to be forgiven and saved, so why do we not give others grace on a daily basis. God has given us grace, so we should return it to others. Grace isn't a reward, it is a gift.
ReplyDeleteGrace is heartfelt kindness, love, and forgiveness. God provides us with his Grace and we return the favor with our graces. God's Grace is his love for us and our graces reflect his grace in our own kind and forgiving actions. In order for people to be the spiritual beings God made us, we need to love one another. But sometimes we slip and fall of the path of His example. But there is no need to worry because God is always there to catch us with His ultimate gift of Grace, forgiving us for our sins and loving us no matter what. Grace like God surrounds us, even though sometimes we choose to ignore it. And everyday we make choices to either bring grace of our own or hide it away. Although we sometimes make choices that have less grace than others, grace is always there, we just need to take the time to see it.
ReplyDeleteThis is grace in my life. In my life I find grace through all those different people in my life. Grace is something each and every one of these people give to me. Whether its through people helping me or laughing with me they each give me grace. But since grace is so often just handed to me, I also see grace in those who choose to receive it. This common grace is something I see so often from those who offer forgiveness and kindness to me. I also see God's grace This is grace in my life. In my life I find grace through all those different people in my life. Grace is something each and every one of these people give to me. Whether its through people helping me or laughing with me they each give me grace. But since grace is so often just handed to me, I also see grace in those who choose to receive it. This common grace is something I see so often from those who offer forgiveness and kindness to me. I also see God's grace through God. He forgives me daily and provides for me, his son died on the cross for to let our sins be forgiven.
ReplyDeleteThis grace in my life. Grace is given graciously and received every day to many deserving as well as undeserving people. Sometimes a small act of grace whether a act of kindness or some sort of donation can turn someones day around. Grace is contagious, once its given it motivates others to do the same. Undeserving people that are given grace can turn them into deserving people or change their attitude/ outlook on the day. We must not be greedy with grace but willing to be the givers. A great quote by Sarah Ban Breathnach says “Grace is available for each of us every day - our spiritual daily bread - but we've got to remember to ask for it with a grateful heart and not worry about whether there will be enough for tomorrow.”
ReplyDeleteThis is grace in my life:
ReplyDeleteTo me, grace is a simple passing of unearned love. A connection that thrives between an invisible relationship in which one of them steps up to catch the undeserving other. Each of us will face problems that hinder our abilities, but each of us will also run by outstretched hands of grace. It is easy to pass by and ignore the ones who are always there when we need them. They are taken for granted and rarely receive a simple "thanks". However those are also the ones that might catch us when we fall. It is their decision to give grace or to ignore the situation like we ignore them. Everybody has their own grace to give, but no one has their own grace to use. Because grace is such a rare and often difficult gift to receive, you have to jump on the opportunity when it comes. Grace comes when you have lost both love and bright ideas. Two things that one really shouldn't lose in any situation; however it is the mercy of both God and the people around you that understand with compassion and this unconditional love to stop and pick you up and force you forward. Grace meets you at your weakest moments. When you are weak, that is when you become strong.
A person is never deserving of the grace they are given, but rather grace is given when they deserve it the least. Everyday my life is filled with grace. Most importantly, God sent His son to die for me, a sinner. We are so undeserving of this passionate grace that God has imparted on us.
ReplyDeleteThis is grace in my life. God has given me grace when I was given my life. Whether we see it or not grace surrounds us. We are all blessed with the grace of our family, friends, and the lord. Without God’s grace I would not be at GPS, I would not be with my awesome family and I would not have the amazing friends I have. Because of God’s grace when I was born I was blessed with a new life and beginning. My life has been pretty hard and challenging but because of God’s Grace I’m able to push through it.
ReplyDeleteGrace is something given from God because of His love for us. We don't deserve it, which is why it is called grace. Grace gives us laughter, smiles, sunshine, all of our favorite things. Grace has given me, personally, a family, a house, love, friendship, and a great school to go to. We are graced with forgiveness and love for each other.
ReplyDeleteANNE MILLER WELBORN
ReplyDeleteThis is grace in my life:
Grace is something that we can never fully understand. However, I do know that Grace is a God given gift. It is the greatest possible gift that he has given to his worst possible sinner, me! We are so undeserving of his grace and forgiveness, but it is forever fulfilling. It surrounds us and gives us peace. Because of grace, I know that God will never leave me alone no matter what I do. From my family, friends, opportunities, and relationship in the Lord, I see common and theological grace everyday in my own life. GRACE IS THE LOVE OF GOD IN ACTION. It is so important to thank the Lord for the grace that we have been shown! In the words of the great songwriter John Newton, "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me....I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see. T'was Grace that taught...my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear...the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares...we have already come. T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...and Grace will lead us home."
I have been surrounded by friends and family that have been the most loving and supportive people, and I am truly blessed to have them in my life. My parents have pushed me to be the best I can be, and are there for every step. My sisters are always around to make me laugh and goof off with. My neighbors are like my extended family. The Longs have taught me what it truly means to love all of God’s creatures, big or small. The Voges have taught me to love the earth, and never take things for granted, to live adventurously. The Towns and Willinghams are always up for a good laugh and midnight talks by a big fire. The Pettways have been my second set of family, always welcoming the neighbors down for a big bonfire in the field. Mrs. Mann has taught me that even with struggles in life, women have the ability to keep strong. These people are what have made me into the person I am now, and I would be lost without their constant encouragement and love. This is grace in my life.
ReplyDeleteI heard a song once with a line that really stuck with me, and I think it does well to describe grace - he sings, "if grace is an ocean, we're all sinking." To me, grace is an indescribable vastness, so large that we literally drown in it. I find it hard to give grace a definition; instead I define it by the things that happen to me – the opportunities I have that I don’t deserve, the family I’ve grown up in when I could just as easily have been born into an unfortunate life. This past weekend, as my neighborhood gathered to plant trees to replace those that were destroyed in the one year anniversary of the tornado, I saw overwhelming grace in our ability to put aside differences, get our hands dirty, and give to one another that which had been taken away.
ReplyDelete“The law detects, grace alone conquers sin.” –Saint Augustine of Hippo
ReplyDeleteThis is grace in my life. I experience grace every single day of my life. Just as Frederick Buechner said, “a good sleep is grace and so are good dreams.” This is so true for me. There are very few nights in which I feel prepared for the next day’s classes. So, a good night of sleep is certainly grace from school/homework. I receive grace from my mom, from other family members, from myself, from friends, from God, and from nearly everyone around me. I cannot even count the number of times I have been disrespectful or mean to my mother in particular. However, she loves me despite this. Because of her unconditional/agape type of love, my mom shows me grace everyday. I am selfish oftentimes and do not realize how my actions affect others. At times, decisions I make negatively affect the people surrounding me. My friends and family members do not punish me severely for these actions. I have made a few true friends that I know will never leave my side. No matter the circumstance they will be my friends just as I will be theirs. Making bad decisions should force me to face negative consequence, yet I continually receive grace and acceptance from my friends. Homework is a constant struggle with me, but at times I allow myself to put it to the side and focus on other activities. I give myself grace knowing one bad grade won’t kill me. No matter the circumstance I receive grace from someone around me because of his/her love.
This is grace in my life:
ReplyDeleteI am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be. And by the grace of God, I am what I am. Grace to me can be defined by all of the opportunities I have been given that I dont deserve. The grace of God is a gift. Grace gives us a special feeling of hope and happiness. As we give grace in helping and caring for others, that grace is contagious. At the same time, it is easy to take the people who truly care for us for granted. Everyone is given the opportunity to know grace, but not everyone knows how to give grace properly.
Grace. It is forgiveness given when not deserved. It is a small miracle that comes in the most needed times. It is something found every day here at GPS. Cliche as it is, I must talk about Les Mis for this. The whole play is about Grace: the grace of love, the grace of god, the grace of forgiveness. Starting with the Bishop giving grace to Jean ValJean for stealing, the play plot takes off as ValJean changes his life around to make up for the second chance he was given. Then he gives grace to Javert who cannot live with that type of debt and is driven to take his own life, realizing he had never given or received such graces before. Marius and Cosette share the grace of a love so powerful, it is brought on by a single glance. These graces are the theme of the play, and were brought to life with the showing given by GPS and McCallie. Working on Les Mis with this cast was a grace in itself for me. Though I got behind in school, I would never change getting to know the people I worked with and grew to love. This is the grace in my life and in the lives of so many others shared through a universal production.
ReplyDeleteJohn Updike says, “Rain is grace; rain is the sky condescending to the earth; without rain, there would be no life.” This is grace in my life. It's a gift that I am not worthy of. It can be seen each aspect of my life. My parents, teachers, friends, and God show me this undeserving gift. God gives us this gift of grace, which creates for me an everlasting feeling of peace. Despite all of my imperfections, God loves me. He accepts each of my flaws and continues to show grace in His love. He gave his Son to die for our sins, so that I don't have to. His grace and love is something that I can't even begin to fathom, but I know it will never fail.
ReplyDelete"Do you hear the people sing?
ReplyDeleteLost in the valley of the night
It is the music of a people
Who are climbing to the light,
For the wretched of the earth
There is a flame that never dies
Even the darkest night will end,
and the sun will rise."
- Victor Hugo, Les Miserables
This is grace in my life:
The lyrics to such a seemingly simple song have changed my perspective on grace over the past month or so. I was extremely privileged to be a part of the Les Mis production by playing in the orchestra. Coming into this experience, I didn't really know what I was getting myself into -- sure, I had heard the stories of late nights spent doing homework, the dreaded "tech week" and the inevitable drop in grades. Yet, I told myself I could surely make it past all that, and it would be worth it in the end. This turned out to be much more true than I could have ever expected. I have fallen in love with this beautiful story of grace, love, mercy, and redemption. Seeing the play time after time in rehearsal didn't turn into a routine, contrarily, it personified the meaning for me. Just to cite a few examples, Valjean is shown grace by the bishop, Fantine is showed grace by Valjean, Marius was shown grace by Valjean, possibly Eponine, of course, Valjean shows grace to Javert, and the list just goes on. The most important thing I realized was that grace shown in one person's life can effect many more people than just that one. By showing grace just to one person, the effects can be much more than we may ever realize.
This grace in my life was also found just in participating in the musical. I was able to make new friends, grow closer to acquaintances, learn some of the songs myself, and fall in love with the characters that my own friends and classmates become while they are on stage. This type of grace is common grace, but another grace I experience every day is God's grace. God's grace is so infinite and evident in my life I can't even count the ways He has shown it to me. GPS is one of the biggest ways God has shown grace in my life. Giving me an amazing family, phenomenal teachers, and caring friends is another. Most importantly, because of God's grace I have forgiveness that I will never, ever deserve. He said that His grace is sufficient for us - one of the most blessed promises in the Scriptures. Trusting in God's grace daily is one of the best decisions I have ever made. This is grace in my life.
I have had so many times where grace has been given to me. Grace is hard to understand, and it is not deserved. Sometimes it's hard to know when to give grace, but you know when you receive it. Grace is a blessing, and sometimes you have to give yourself grace.
ReplyDeleteThis is grace in my life.
ReplyDeleteGod shows His grace in so many unique ways. It is of His grace that we are able to love, be forgiven, and live. This is all common grace, grace granted to every human on the face of the earth, one not specified to His followers. Though, when I think of His common grace the first thing that comes to mind is food. So simple and necessary, you must eat to live, but eating is also such a pleasure. God did not create a burden for men when He created food. On the contrary, the satisfaction and enjoyment that food gives helps us understand the true grace and beauty of the Lord. Such a necessary thing, food is, and also so enjoyable. God’s common grace is everywhere. A sweet dream, a supportive friend, being able to marry freely, having children, eating, and even simply a relaxing day are all examples of common grace.
There is also a grace of God that is called theological grace or saving grace. It’s not about me or my accomplishments… All my efforts are in vain unless God is working with and through me. It is the grace of God in my life that has value. It is what endows my ability. I am a product of His grace. The verse I use to describe myself is more than just words. It is a daily reminder to keep myself in proper perspective to God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me (First Corinthians 15:10). Grace is a gift from God. There are those who simply define grace as "God’s unmerited favor." While this is a truthful definition in that there is nothing we can do to deserve God’s favor, this definition is incomplete. The Bible is where we will find the true definition of grace. Jesus Christ performed the work for our salvation. His death, His suffering, His blood earned the Grace (check) for us.
This is grace in my life. One of my favorite bands, The Fray, wrote a song called "Be Still," and the chorus of the song states, "be still and know, that I'm with you; be still and know that I am here." These lyrics truly strike a chord with me when speaking on grace because in order to experience grace, we have to recognize it in its many forms, and know that it lives all around us. I believe that grace is God, simple as that. His love pours out to us, and therefore, his forgiveness and acceptance of us does also. How great is it to be able to experience grace in God's form? Because to me, it sounds amazing, and I feel overjoyed that I can have that thriving through my life even though I can be a horrible sinner at times. There is never any guessing when it comes to God; he will always love me, have mercy on me, and give me grace.
ReplyDeleteGrace is something that can be interpreted with many different meanings. Many people have said that it is a gift given to you, but what does that mean? Is grace the eternal love God gives you and the forgiveness of your sins? I feel that grace is a very vague word, but I know that it is always there. If God's grace is his undeniable, eternal love that he gives us everyday or his ability to forgive those who have done the worst wrongs. His ways are unreal, and difficult to understand. Even though we may not be able to feel the grace, it is always there given to us in generous amounts.
ReplyDelete“Beauty without grace is the hook without the bait.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
ReplyDeleteGrace is more than forgiveness. It is a selfless forgiveness and a value of another human being. Hannah Mask and I are were talking about grace recently, and I love the way she put it. She said, grace is indefinable. I agree. Grace is something we feel; grace is something we experience; grace is something that comforts us. I think that grace is alive in my life by the family that loves me, the opportunities that I have, the life that I live. Grace creates beauty in the world.
This is grace in my life. Grace is an act of undeserved love. Grace is something you can’t ask for or expect to be handed to you. Grace is a blessing we receive when we don’t deserve it. The fact that I wake up every morning is just one example of the way the Lord shows me his infinite grace. There is no law or order that says I must live; only by the grace of God am I able to. Grace has no strings attached to it, no rhyme or reason to why it is being done. It isn’t preplanned and cannot be forced. True grace is going out of your way to help another person, even when they don’t deserve it. Grace isn’t always easy or convenient. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He showed us the ultimate act of grace. When I personally think of grace, the word beauty is intertwined within it. That’s because when someone shows grace, has grace, and is empowered by grace; that is a beautiful moment that cannot be replicated. The best kind of grace is a quiet, meek, humble grace; the kind that is done out of the kindness of your heart. As James 4:6 says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
ReplyDeleteA quote by lindsey Lohan says "Beauty is grace and confidence. I've learned to accept and appreciate what nature gave me." and another says "Beauty without grace is the hook without the bait." by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Beauty is one thing but with Grace it is another. Grace makes beauty special and not vain or conceited. Grace is the main part of true beauty. The people that are beautiful because of Grace my not be physically beautiful but are beautiful in the heart. their beauty comes from the Grace in their hearts and that is the most important thing and to surround your self is even more important, i try to do that every day.
ReplyDelete"Grace needs to be the air we breathe, the atmosphere we live in, whether in church or in the home." - Allen Snapp -- Allen Snapp is saying that people need to give grace as well as accept grace. God gives grace to his people all the time. All humans sin and God forgives us every time. He shows mercy and grace to us all day everyday.
ReplyDeleteGrace defined simply is when someone is given something they do not deserve. If a person messes up but does not see repercussions for their actions they have seen grace.
“You called, You cried, You shattered my deafness, You sparkled, You blazed, You drove away my blindness, You shed Your fragrance, and I drew in my breath, and I pant for You.” – Augustine
ReplyDeleteThis quote represents the true meaning of God's grace. Through God's love, we were created. He created us all differently but for a certain purpose. When he gave us life, he did not intend for it to be an easy journey. We are meant to go through struggles in life in order to learn a lesson or realize something. He plans each dilemma but he is always a step behind us, there to catch us when we fall. Because God's grace may seem invisible at times but it is always there when we most need it. We may have sinned or feel at our lowest point, but no matter how deep we fall we are never beyond God's grace. He wipes our tears, he gives us his hand when we fall, and he gives us the strength to carry on. So, when God calls on us, we have no choice but to listen. He cries out our name and calls us back home. He relieves us of our pain and takes the load off of our shoulders. He opens our eyes when they are closed and he lifts our head up to look at him. God comes at us, shining like the sun, and we are breathless at his sight and presence because we can neither understand his love nor will we until we have a true relationship with him. We can't understand his grace because it is overpowering like his unconditional love. His love can break diamonds and shatter windows. It can cure even the darkest of hearts. It can reach into depths far beyond our imagination, and it can save even the most wretched souls on earth. God's grace relieves us of our disabilities so that we can once again be whole. God sheds the Holy Spirit upon us so that we may live and breathe through God. We are devoted followers to the Lord, and we look up to him with as much love as his gives to us.
This is grace in my life:
ReplyDelete“And then, what is grace? Grace is love. But grace is not love simply, and purely, and alone. Grace and love are, in their innermost essence, one and the same thing.”- Alexander Whyte
While writing this in a conscious stream of thought, I stumbled upon this quote that took the words right out of my mouth. As the quote says, I believe that grace and love are truly one in the same. Without love, we cannot experience grace, but without grace, we may never know true love. Love is when a person cares so deeply for another that they would do anything for them, whereas grace is both the care and the action of love. Grace is the selfless, caring deeds by which true love works. Anyone on Earth can have common grace when someone acts upon them with a selfless and possibly undeserved act of love. But it is only by theological grace, the grace from God, that we are truly blessed. God loved His children on Earth so much that He sent His only son Jesus to die for their sins, just so that they could all live in Heaven with Him someday. This sacrifice shows what true love looks like, and it is only by that love that we can receive saving and fulfilling grace from God.
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ReplyDeleteIn so many ways I have experienced grace in my life. I receive grace from my mother and father everyday when they do their best to care for me. I receive grace from my teachers when they try everyday to teach me lessons from the textbook and lessons from life. I receive grace from my friends when they comfort me or share their help with me on homework. My life is filled with grace, given to me by all of God's people surrounding me. Though I receive all this, the ultimate form of grace in my life is given to me by God. He gives me grace by allowing me to learn and love all of His creations. God gives me grace by allowing me to create a relationship with my horses, a change not many people get to have. God gives me grace by guiding me through the ruff times and rejoicing with me in times I'm so happy I could sing. Most of all God shows me grace by showing me his love.
ReplyDeleteI was blessed with God's grace the second he made me. He loved me so much he decided to let me live in this world that he created. He allowed me to live and love everything he had created with touch, taste, sight, noise, and smell. And I thank him everyday for that.
ReplyDeleteThe greatest expression of God's grace in a person's life is not its demonstration toward others, but its response to God and His cause.
Scott Hafemann