You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:1, NIV*
No, I didn’t leave last week’s verse here by mistake. Same text, different focal point: grace.
Often when we speak of God’s grace it’s in terms of forgiveness, salvation, eternity with Him after we die. And it is.
But it’s also strength for today and for all of the tomorrows until we reach the end. It’s God—His presence with us.
I’ve been thinking about grace and what it means. It’s something given by a person who “has” to a person who “has not” with no strings attached.
There’s no obligation to give, just a valid need that will otherwise go unmet. The giver acts out of goodness, compassion or a similar motivation. The recipient can’t earn it but desperately needs it.
The recipient has no claim on the giver. The recipient is unworthy, but with the gift comes worth. I am worthy because God conferred worthiness on me along with the gift of His grace.
I am not entitled. But I’m valued—validated—by God.
Father, on our own we’re nothing, and what little we have, we’ve damaged. But You love us. And You choose to rescue and mend us, and to dwell in us. Amazing grace indeed!
∞
Listen to this beautiful song from the band Fee: “Grace Will Be My Song“.
*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.