A New Simple Way To understand Grace
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Grace: Evidence of God’s Love and Truth
Welcome back! Today, I want to share with you a powerful revelation about grace that has been on my heart. Grace is a word we hear often in church—defined as unmerited favor, a gift, or undeserved kindness. While all of these definitions are true, recently God has revealed to me a deeper understanding: Grace is evidence. This simple yet profound truth has transformed how I view grace, and I’m excited to dive into what this means.
What is Grace?
At its core, grace is evidence. Think about it: evidence testifies to truth—it points to something beyond itself. In the same way, grace testifies to God’s truth and love. Evidence doesn’t exist on its own; it requires a foundation of truth. God is that truth, and His grace is the evidence that proves His love, power, and presence.
In John 1:16-17, we read:
“Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
This verse reminds us that grace and truth go hand in hand. Grace is not just about what we receive—it’s about what points us back to God.
The Evidence of Creation
The simplest example of grace as evidence is found in creation itself. The fact that we exist—along with the earth, the stars, the trees, and all living things—points to the Creator. Creation testifies to the existence and character of God.
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
Our existence is evidence of God’s grace. He didn’t have to create us, but He chose to out of His abundant love. Grace isn’t about us or what we deserve—it’s about who God is.
Grace in Our Relationships
Let’s bring this concept closer to home. Think about your relationships—your spouse, children, coworkers, or friends. We all need grace to navigate the challenges of human connection. But here’s the key: grace isn’t about the person receiving it—it’s about the person giving it.
For example, when you forgive your spouse or show patience with a friend, that grace doesn’t come from their worthiness. It comes from the character of God working in you. You give grace because you’ve received grace from God. It’s an overflow of His love within you.
Jesus: The Ultimate Evidence of Grace
The greatest evidence of God’s grace is found in Jesus Christ. Let’s reflect on Ephesians 2:8-9:
“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.”
Salvation is the ultimate gift of grace. We didn’t earn it, and we don’t deserve it. But God, in His infinite love, chose to save us through Jesus. This grace is the foundation of our faith and the reason for our hope.
Jesus not only brought grace into the world—He embodied it. As both Creator and creation, Jesus demonstrated grace upon grace. He didn’t have to humble Himself, but He chose to take on human form, live among us, and die for our sins. His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate evidence of God’s love and truth.
What Does “Grace Upon Grace” Mean?
John 1:16 mentions “grace in place of grace already given.” This phrase, “grace upon grace,” paints a picture of the layers of God’s grace in our lives.
- The grace of creation: The fact that we exist points to God’s love.
- The grace of the law: The commandments given through Moses provided guidance and revealed our need for a Savior.
- The grace of Jesus Christ: Through His life and sacrifice, Jesus brought ultimate redemption.
Each layer of grace builds on the last, culminating in the gift of the Holy Spirit, who continues to work in us and through us.
Grace in Action
Now that we understand grace as evidence, how do we live it out? Let’s look at some practical examples:
- Forgiveness: When you forgive someone, you’re demonstrating grace. This forgiveness isn’t about excusing their actions—it’s about reflecting God’s character.
- Patience: Showing patience, especially in challenging situations, is a form of grace. It points to the truth of God’s patience with us.
- Generosity: Whether it’s giving time, resources, or love, generosity is an overflow of the grace we’ve received.
Remember, grace is never about earning or deserving—it’s about who God is and what He has done.
The Spirit of Grace
The Holy Spirit is also known as the Spirit of Grace. His presence in our lives is evidence of God’s love and commitment to us. The Holy Spirit:
- Bears witness to the truth of Jesus.
- Produces fruit in our lives that reflect God’s character (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Empowers us to live out God’s will.
Because of the Spirit of Grace, we can stand firm in our faith, knowing we are never alone or abandoned.
Why Grace Matters
Grace is more than unmerited favor—it’s the foundation of our faith, our salvation, and our existence. It’s the evidence of God’s truth and love, constantly pointing us back to Him.
When we embrace grace, we’re reminded of who God is:
- A Creator who chose to make us.
- A Savior who chose to redeem us.
- A Father who chooses to love us every day.
As we give grace to others, we participate in God’s work, reflecting His truth and love in a world that desperately needs it.
Conclusion: Rejoicing in Grace
Today, I encourage you to rejoice in the grace of God. Reflect on how His grace has shaped your life—through creation, salvation, and the Holy Spirit. Let this grace overflow into your relationships, pointing others to the truth of who God is.
Grace is evidence. Evidence of God’s love. Evidence of His truth. Evidence of His goodness. Let’s live as people of grace, celebrating the One who gave it all for us.
“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” – John 1:16