What role does grace play in our relationship with Jesus and others? Grace at the Core “May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:18) This closing sentence is not a casual farewell. It is divine truth, literally breathed by God, declaring that every moment of life with Jesus and every interaction with one another is sustained by His grace. Grace and Our Relationship with Jesus • Grace rescues: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith… not by works.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) • Grace secures: “We have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand.” (Romans 5:2) • Grace invites: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” (Hebrews 4:16) • Grace enriches: “Though He was rich… through His poverty you might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) Together these verses unveil grace as: ‒ the undeserved favor that initiates salvation, ‒ the standing ground of our ongoing fellowship with Christ, ‒ the open door to confident prayer, ‒ the wealth of spiritual riches exchanged at the cross. Grace and Our Relationships with Others • Grace forgives: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13) • Grace serves: “As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10) • Grace teaches: “The grace of God has appeared… training us to renounce ungodliness.” (Titus 2:11-12) When grace flows horizontally: ‒ we release grudges because Christ released ours, ‒ we invest gifts and time for the benefit of others, ‒ we model holy living that points people back to Jesus. Living Grace Daily 1. Remember—every morning, rehearse the truth: you stand accepted because of Christ alone. 2. Receive—run to the throne of grace instead of hiding in guilt. 3. Reflect—extend the same unearned kindness to family, coworkers, neighbors. 4. Respond—use spiritual gifts, finances, and words to refresh others as Christ refreshes you. Grace is not a theological footnote; it is the atmosphere in which believers breathe. Jesus supplies it continually, and we are called to pass it on, so that, just as Paul declared, “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” truly is “with all of you.” |
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