We live in a cynical world, it is easy to become cynical even in our thoughts of God. We can drag the Lord’s love and actions down to our level. You can even think about the Lord’s giving us grace like a parent who in frustration overlooks our transgressions. The Lord’s grace is a deliberate act of love by the Lord. He gives us grace because He loves us His people with a perfect love. He saved us so that we might be restored to Him and be transformed to be like Him. 

Grace is often thought of in relation mainly to our justification. We are saved by grace. Our sin and sinful nature are justified by grace alone. As a result, the Christian is now right with God. There is a danger that we only think about grace in relation to our justification and not our sanctification. Not a few folks have an idea that we enter the church by grace and remain by our efforts. This is not what the scriptures teach. Hear the words of Paul as he deals with the thorn in the flesh;

[9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 (ESV)

Living by grace reminds us who we are as sinners saved by grace. We need grace to enter the kingdom of God and we need grace to continue in the Christian life. We must never forget that we live by grace alone. This is how you can forgive and love your enemies because you have been loved and forgiven by God. This is why you can pray for those who hurt you and oppose you.

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