Just what is this “grace” thing?

“Grace” is a word that describes God’s act of love and forgiveness for people. It indicates that God does something for us even when we do not deserve it.

 Another amazing thing about grace is that we cannot earn it. We do not receive God’s love because we try to be a “good” person or attend a church. Grace is God’s offer of love and forgiveness to us when we have made a mess of things.

God knows we struggle with trying to discover the purpose of life. Often we settle on reaching for or doing things that make us feel good or important. The problem is that those things are only temporary. They do not give us the joy and significance we crave. God understands this. He knows that a self-centered life, although sometimes feels good, ultimately is not satisfying.

This struggle is, in reality, a defiant attitude toward God. We think we know what is best or right for us. The truth is that we are just grasping at anything to make sense. In our frustration we can turn to things in life that dulls the pain of life. Harmful substances and relationships do not help. God wants us to have a meaningful life yet for some reason we cannot seem to connect with that life.

An honest evaluation of our life indicates that we have made decisions that are in defiance or rebellion to God. He calls this sin and that is the obstacle we face in attaining this purposeful life. Often, in our continuing attempt to do things our way, we think that by being a “better” person or going to church removes this obstruction. We are caught in a horrible cycle of once again doing things in a way God says will not bring us what we seek. So, how do we remove this destructive attitude?

All choices have consequences and a choice of being defiant against God brings about a separation of ourself to God. The good news is that God has provided the way for us to experience His forgiveness and to connect with us. He sent His Son, Jesus, to live among humanity and then to die for us. His death provides a way for God to forgive anyone who sincerely asks for forgiveness by desiring to turn away from sin. Grace is what God does for us even though we do not deserve this gift of love. When we seek and receive this “grace” God forgives us completely. We now have the capacity to live the life God offers; A life dedicated to loving Him and others. He uses us in our home, work, school, and community to be people who are points of His grace to others.

If you would like to know more of how God loves you please contact us at 392-3402 or email us at GracePointe@gracepointe-church.org.