“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. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
— Ephesians 2:8–10 (NIV)
In Scripture, grace is revealed in two powerful ways: first, in the character with which it is given; second, in the effect it produces in the recipient.
The first is that grace is unmerited favor. God freely gives it, not because of our worthiness, but because of His goodness. Salvation is the greatest example of this—while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We could never earn it; it was purely an act of divine kindness.
The second is that grace is empowerment. It enables us to do what we could never do on our own. Salvation not only forgives us but also empowers us to live above sin through the indwelling Holy Spirit. This is why Paul could say, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” Grace saves us and equips us.
This pattern holds true for every form of grace God gives. Whatever the assignment—whether ministry, service, or daily obedience—the grace to fulfill it comes as undeserved favor, and its impact is supernatural empowerment.
Yet there is one posture that shuts the door to grace—pride. Scripture tells us that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Even salvation demands humility, for only when we acknowledge our sin and our need for Christ can we receive His saving grace. The proud heart, convinced it needs nothing, remains closed to God’s gift.
Let us, therefore, walk in humility—grateful for God’s undeserved kindness and ready to receive His empowering grace for every good work He has prepared for us.
Prayer:
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for Your unmerited kindness shown to me in Christ Jesus. Thank You for empowering me with Your grace to live for You. Keep me humble and dependent on You, so that Your grace may abound in my life. Amen.
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