Grace in Real Time

Have you ever felt like one of the “least” as a follower of Christ? The apostle Paul did. In his letter to the Corinthian church he says, “For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Corinthians 15:9 NIV). His next statement, though, gives hope to all of us: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Regardless of what he deserved, Paul knew that God’s love was larger than his sin. He received God’s grace, and it compelled him to live sacrificially and powerfully for Him. While most of us haven't shared Paul’s history of torturing and persecuting Christians, we all share the human experience of majorly sinning at times.

We all need grace.

Thankfully, God isn't one to withhold what we need. He's a father who loves us more deeply than any parent loves a child: “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9–11).

When our need goes far deeper than physical sustenance, He's here to provide for us. He offers full forgiveness and pardon for every wrong we commit in life: How amazing is that?? I don't know about you, but it’s a huge weight off of my shoulders. I don't have to walk around wondering if I'm good enough, or, in the end, if the good I do will outweigh the bad. That's already been settled—his standard is absolute perfection, and I clearly don't meet it. But, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

You see, the hope he offers is full, not partial, and permanent, not temporary. He's not just willing to forgive the small stuff, but even the really destructive decisions that leave broken lives in our wake. He forgives it all, and he gives us a fresh start. “Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23). This is what's so amazing about grace: It is “undeserved favor” that we all definitely and desperately need. No matter how many times we blow it, he remains the God of a million chances. Let's recognize the magnitude of this gift, and live our lives in a way that is worthy of the God we serve.