Answers

Q:

I don’t know much about religion, but I’ve heard people talk about the grace of God and I’m wondering what this means. We talk about people like athletes being graceful, but I don’t see how that would apply to God.

A:

Like many other words in our language, the word “grace” has several meanings, depending on how it’s used. When “grace” is used to describe God, it refers to His kindness, love and mercy toward us. The Psalmist prayed, “Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old” (Psalm 25:6).

Think about this for a minute. God shows His grace and kindness to us every moment of the day, even when we’re not aware of it (or we don’t even believe it). He gives us life; He provides us with everything we need; He blesses us in countless ways, even when we turn our backs on Him. We don’t deserve any of this, but He still showers His good gifts on us because of His mercy and grace. Have you ever paused to thank Him for this?

But God has demonstrated His grace to us in an even greater way, by sending His Son into the world to take away our sins and change our lives. We have sinned against God and deserve only His judgment and condemnation. But because He loves us, God provided the way for us to be saved—and that way is Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ… it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4-5).

Ask Christ to come into your life to forgive you and save you, and He will. Then thank God every day for His constant grace and mercy.