GRACE

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

James 4:6 KJV

Annie J. Flint wrote the beautiful hymn “He Giveth More Grace”.  I love these words because they are true.  “He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength as our labors increase; To added afflictions He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.”

One of the definitions I found in Webster’s Dictionary for grace is “Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him.”  Our loving Heavenly Father is a compassionate Father and He gives us grace because He loves us unconditionally.

Julia H. Johnston wrote another one of my favorite hymns “Grace Greater than Our Sin”.  “Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin!”  Yes, God’s love and grace for us is greater than all our sin.

Do we deserve God’s grace?  No, it is because He loves us that He opened His heart of compassion and sent His beloved Son to die for our sins.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a tender loving forgiving Father.  I love You so much.  Thank You for adopting me into Your family and for the privilege You have given me to serve Jesus.  Thank You, dear Father, for all the times You have comforted and encouraged me.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

December 27, 2018