Christian Beliefs

Understand that there have been countless books, videos, and tapes done on the subject of God's grace.

In this article, I will point out a few examples and note some of the benefits when it comes to this "Gift of Grace."

I whole heartily believe that the faith that I have, in regards to God and all that He has for me -- places me in a position to see things in a more appreciative way when it comes to God's "Gift of Grace."

Personally I see this as an awesome gift, a privilege that's given to us from our Heavenly Father through a new (blood) covenant that's built on great promises.

The covenant in which I speak, was made available to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now when it comes to this subject, I will try to use a few examples of how God uses His "Gift of Grace" within our lives.

First, let's take a look at a person who may be going through some type of struggle in their life. For example, you have God's children who are struggling to pay bills, and they're dealing with a stressful situation because of this financial burden.

Or perhaps, some of your friends decided to stop hanging around you, because of your new found faith in Jesus Christ. And because of this, you start to find that you're depressed and don't quite know what to make of it. Because of this maybe you're a little lonely and perhaps you're feeling dejected and disappointed.

Now in order for us to get an ideal of how God's "Gift of Grace" operates you have to really look at your situation and compare it to others who are worse off than you are? For starters, have you compared your situation to the person who has been laying ill, dying, and suffering in their bodies for several years?

Have you compared your situation, to the person who doesn't have a home to call their own? Maybe a person, who finds it hard to make friends and because of this that person adopts a viewpoint -- that they will probably be a loner for the rest of their lives because of their poor social life? You must remember, when it comes to God's "Gift of Grace" your situation is only temporary and it could be far worse than what it currently is.

Let's look at another example... What about that friend, or relative or your spouse, or child -- who refuses to accept the Lord as their Savior? Their hearts are hard and cold, and the thought of them hearing anything from the Bible makes them cringe. On top of these things they also have a worldly mind and corrupt heart.

You've prayed and cried many times to God hoping that they will see the light and discover the "Truth" before it's too late. Now as time goes forward you have surrendered your hope and have given up on the idea that you can be of any help within this area. Your thoughts begin to be filled with negativity and hopelessness. You start to tell yourself: "I guess they will never turn their lives over to the Lord" -or- " All is lost, what have I done -- is it because of me Lord?"

But have you forgotten about the time you were spiteful and angry? Have you forgotten that you were once lost? Did you not know that if God could reach you in time, why not them? Have you forgotten about God's "Gift of Grace?"

What about the person who have embraced what the world has to offer? Their lifestyles are harmful, unproductive, and deceitful towards others. Now every time you see this person, they're always stealing, or doing something worldly. On top of this maybe they're mean, hateful, and abusive to their spouse and others.

Will you make the mistake by being quick to condemn them? I know, it's hard to say if you were to ask me personally. But this is why God's "Gift of Grace" is so powerful. God is able to give us unconditional love, package with complete forgiveness. These conditions and benefits, along with God, will always be there. Always remember that these benefits are always unconditional. But in order to activate them in our lives, we must repent and turn away from our wicked ways and accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

I thank God for His "Gift of Grace" that He has given to us so willingly. I will never forget where I was at in my life -- when I was lost, and how far God has brought me. By me constantly remembering how God rescued me, will help me to also remember that this is a gift from God and He doesn't have to give it. A lot of times people take this gift for granted and continue to push the max when it comes to their sins, and worldly ways.

Since tomorrow isn't promised to any of us, and with so much at stake. It doesn't make sense to gamble with something that is as valuable as your salvation and eternal existence. For if your salvation was compared to anything on this earth, it would be considered priceless.

Antonio L. Mitchell