Grace
Definition:
In Christian theology, grace (Greek: charis) is fundamentally God’s unmerited favor toward humanity. It is the kindness, love, and empowerment God gives that is not earned by human works, achievements, or moral behavior.
Key points:
Grace is not a reward—it is a gift.
Grace enables forgiveness, spiritual growth, and the ability to live in alignment with God’s will.
Grace is central to salvation: Ephesians 2:8–9 says, “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.”
2. Common Misunderstanding: “Undeserved” Grace
Many Christians think of grace as entirely undeserved—a gift given to sinners who have no merit. This is true in the sense of salvation: we cannot earn God’s forgiveness or eternal life.
However, when it comes to Jesus, things are more nuanced:
Scripture says Jesus “grew in favour with God” (Luke 2:52). Some interpret this as him receiving grace in the sense that he experienced God’s favor and blessing.
Critics sometimes argue, “If Jesus is sinless and perfect, how could grace be unmerited for Him? Doesn’t He deserve it?”
Here’s the subtlety: grace is not strictly about being ‘deserving’ or ‘undeserving.’ Even Jesus, though perfect and fully righteous, lived in human experience and relied on God’s empowerment. In this sense, grace can also mean empowering favour—strength, guidance, and relational closeness with God—not just forgiveness for sin.
So, grace is both relational and transformative:
For humanity, it is unmerited forgiveness and salvation.
For Jesus, it was empowerment to fulfill His mission on earth, which He received as the Son of God.
3. Perspectives from Christian Teachers
Graham Cooke
Emphasizes grace as God’s enabling power, not just a static gift.
He says grace is dynamic—it “shapes destiny” and is available in proportion to one’s openness to receive it.
Grace is not limited to “forgiveness”but includes favour, insight, and capacity to act in alignment with God’s will.
Max Lucado
Often frames grace as love in action, undeserved but offered generously.
Lucado stresses the personal relational aspect: grace meets us in our weakness and transforms us.
He clarifies that grace is “freely given”but recognised and experienced through faith.
John Piper
Defines grace as God’s unmerited favour that brings salvation and joy.
Piper emphasizes that grace is not a reward for merit, even for Jesus. Instead, grace flows from God’s nature and purpose.
Piper also points out that God’s grace has an effect: it changes the believer internally, cultivating holiness, joy, and obedience.
4. Key Distinctions About Grace
Undeserved vs. Deserved:
For humans, grace is truly unmerited in the sense of forgiveness and salvation.
For Jesus, grace manifested as favour and empowerment, reflecting His unique relationship with God rather than a moral debt.
Grace is relational: It is not just about rules or morality; it is about God drawing close, providing, sustaining, and transforming.
Grace is active: It is not passive—it invites a response (faith, obedience, love), but its origin is always God’s initiative.
Grace is transformative: It changes our hearts, aligns us with God, and enables us to fulfil God’s purpose, just as it empowered Jesus.
5. Putting It Together
Grace in Christianity is a divine favour that empowers, transforms, and reconciles. While it is unearned by humanity, it is not opposed to worth or value—even Jesus “receives” grace, because grace is relational and empowering, not merely a reward for sinlessness. It is a flowing gift from God, meant to meet human need, cultivate growth, and invite participation in God’s life.
Biblical Imagery & Metaphors:
• Rain falling freely on all land, both fertile and dry.
• A gift placed in open hands.
• A river washing away dust and stain.
• A second chance given at dawn.
In Daily life:
Grace meets us in our weakness and gently lifts us up. It teaches us to give others the same unearned kindness that God has shown to us.
1. Grace in Relationships— Extending God’s Unmerited Kindness
Grace is seen most clearly in how we love others. Just as God’s grace has been lavishly poured out on us, we are called to extend that grace to others, even when they don’t "deserve" it.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Forgiving others as God forgives us requires faith in the sufficiency of His grace. It means extending kindness, patience, and forgiveness, even when we feel wronged or hurt. Grace is the heart of reconciliation.
Daily practice:
When offended, pray for the grace to forgive and let go.
Extend kindness to those who don’t deserve it, remembering that you, too, have received unmerited grace.
Practice patience in difficult relationships, trusting God to change hearts.
2. Grace in the Face of Failure— Embracing God’s Second Chances
Grace is especially evident when we fail. When we fall short, God does not abandon us but lifts us up with grace. The call is not to perfection, but to repentance, knowing that God’s love for us is not based on our performance.
Romans 5:20–21
“Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Grace covers all our failures, and it abounds where sin increases. No matter how many times we stumble, God’s grace invites us to rise and keep moving forward in faith.
Daily practice:
When you fail, confess to God, and receive His grace to move forward.
Do not allow guilt to define you—remember God’s forgiveness is total and complete.
Allow grace to guide your growth, transforming your mistakes into opportunities for learning and humility.
3. Grace in Work — Serving from a Place of Empowerment
Grace empowers Christians to do more than just "get by." It enables us to live with excellence and integrity in all that we do, because God’s favour strengthens us to fulfil His purpose in our work.
Titus 2:11–12
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”
Grace is not just forgiveness—it is also a teacher. It empowers us to live rightly, even in the workplace. It’s about bringing the heart of God into everything we do, working with integrity, diligence, and joy.
Daily practice:
Approach your work as an opportunity to display God’s grace through your attitude and actions.
Do everything with excellence, knowing that God is with you.
Invite God’s grace to help you with challenges, knowing He enables you to do what is beyond your strength.
4. Grace in Conflict — Navigating Difficult Conversations with Love
Grace helps us handle conflict in a Christ-like way. Instead of responding in anger, bitterness, or defensiveness, grace teaches us to approach others with love, humility, and forgiveness.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Grace in conversation means being slow to anger, quick to listen, and generous with forgiveness. It means recognizing that others are also in need of grace and speaking words that reflect God’s love.
Daily practice:
Before responding in conflict, take a moment to breathe and pray for God’s grace to guide your words.
Choose humility and avoid defensiveness.
Speak with kindness and patience, remembering that God has been gracious with you.
5. Grace in the Face of Temptation— Relying on God’s Strength
Grace is not just for forgiveness—it is the strength we need to overcome temptation. When we feel powerless, grace empowers us to resist and choose what honours God.
2 Corinthians 12:9
“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.”
When we are weak, God’s grace becomes our strength. We do not have to rely on our own power to overcome temptation; we rely on God’s empowering grace.
Daily practice:
When facing temptation, remind yourself that God’s grace is sufficient for you.
Pray for God to strengthen you and give you victory in areas of weakness.
Trust that grace provides the way out, even when the struggle feels overwhelming.
6. Grace in Spiritual Growth— Partnering with God’s Transforming Work
Grace is the power that fuels spiritual growth. As we grow in our relationship with God, His grace enables us to live in greater alignment with His will, producing fruit in our lives.
2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Grace is dynamic; it doesn’t just save us, but it sanctifies us. As we experience God’s grace, we grow in humility, patience, joy, and love. Grace is what allows us to become more like Christ.
Daily practice:
Invite God to teach you daily through His grace and Word.
Embrace the process of sanctification, knowing that grace enables growth.
Trust that God’s grace is working within you, even in areas where you feel stagnant or frustrated.
Encouragement to Grow in Grace
Grace is a gift that continues to shape us. The more we understand grace, the more it flows out of us—transforming our relationships, our choices, and our spiritual lives. It is not just about receiving grace; it’s about living in it and extending it to others.
Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us that grace is a gift, not something we earn. It is a deep well we can draw from every day, and it’s available to us in abundance. The more we live in the reality of God’s grace, the more we reflect His heart to the world.
Scripture References:
Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV)
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Titus 2:11–12 (NIV)
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.
It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
Romans 5:20–21 (NIV)
“The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more”