Grace. What a wonderful word. Grace is the free unmerited favor, kindness, mercy, esteem, and love which may be granted to or from any individual. God is the author of grace. Grace from God is divine favor.
When we became born again believers, we received divine favor from God when we did not deserve it. This act of kindness would be considered unmerited if it were not for God’s great mercy on what was then our pathetic and self absorbed existence.
When we came to the point of learned understanding of the Word of God to the end that we believed in our hearts that God raised Christ from the dead, and we accepted him as our Lord and savior, and said it aloud to another person, we became highly esteemed of God.
To God we are a prize of infinite value, a gem of untold beauty, a people of high regard and favorable opinion. That is love. That is perfect love. For God to feel that way about us is grace to the extreme.
Ask yourself an honest question: Do I feel this way about myself every day? You should because God does. But be careful with this one, remember: For by grace are ye saved through believing: and that not of yourselves: it is the (unmerited) gift of God: not of works lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Ask yourself another honest question: Do I feel this way about all believers all the time? You should because God does. Ephesians 5:1-2 says: Be ye followers (or imitators) of God as dear children; and walk in love as Christ also hath loved us.
In James 1:22 we are exhorted to be doers of the word and not hearers only. What do you do if a believer rubs you the wrong way or offends you? Do the Word. Imitate God. Apply grace. Love one another as God loves you. God is a lot smarter than us. If this approach works for Him, what do you think it will do for us?
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Daniel Sweet is the founder and President of God's Word First Christian Ministry and is a leading expert on the Gift of Holy Spirit. As an ordained minister, biblical scholar, humble follower and faithful teacher, he and his wife Debbra Sweet have been instrumental in helping many people come to the knowledge and truth of God’s Word. Affectionately known as the "Rock and Roll Pastor" due to his previous vocation as a pro musician, he is widely known for his lively sense of humor, his fun loving attitude and openly candid opinions. Daniel Sweet is also a published author on the subject of Leadership, an investor and an entrepreneur owning several small businesses.
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