Ephesians 1:7–8 — “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.” (ESV)
There’s a double meaning in the grace we get: grace as we understand it, and grace as we receive it.
I firmly believe that in order to truly receive and live in the grace that God has graciously lavished on us, we first have to understand what grace is and what it was intended to produce. In the New Testament (NT), grace is one the richest words in scripture. The Greek word used most often in the NT is charis, which means favor, kindness, or gift freely given. But the biblical meaning goes far deeper than just unmerited favor.
Let’s break it down….
Grace is God’s unearned favor.
At its foundation, grace means we receive something we could never earn salvation, forgiveness and relationship with God
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And it is not your own doing: it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
Grace is God’s power working in and through us.
Grace doesn’t just save us, it sustains and strengthens us.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
Grace is a teacher that transforms us.
Grace doesn’t leave us where we were found, but it teaches and matures us.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions…” — Titus 2:11-12 (ESV)
The grace we get is both a revelation of what God has done and the invitation to become who He’s called us to be. In short, grace doesn’t just save us, it shapes us. It doesn’t just cover sin, it calls us higher. It’s not passive mercy, it’s active power.
The question for you this week isn’t whether you’ve received God’s grace, but whether you’ve understood what’s been offered. When we truly get grace, we stop striving for what’s already been given and start living from what’s already been settled. Whether you’ve already given your life to Jesus or are still considering it: grace is available, freely offered to shape, empower and guide anyone willing to receive it.
Reflection:
In what ways have I received kindness, forgiveness or favor that I didn’t deserve or expect?
What would it look like to personally accept or embrace God’s gift of grace?
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