How Amazing Is God’s Grace? Biblical Authority Devotional: God’s Character, Part 11 by Chris Russell, AiG-U.S.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11)

Today’s big question: how amazing is God’s grace?

Previously, we discussed the concept of God’s mercy. Today, we’re going to discuss the concept of God’s grace. This may raise a question in the mind of our readers: “what is the difference between God’s mercy and His grace?” I’ve heard it said that mercy is when God doesn’t give us what we deserve, but grace, on the other hand, is when God gives us favor we don’t deserve. In other words, mercy is when God doesn’t give us the punishment that we deserve for our sins, but when He grants us grace, He gives us abundant blessings in spite of our sins, flaws, imperfections, and shortcomings. What a profound concept!

Even when we don’t deserve it, God showers immense blessings upon our lives. God blesses us as a dear father who loves his children. I am a father of three beautiful children, and I love them abundantly. And I love to do good things for them. I love to bless them in any way that I possibly can. This isn’t because they have somehow earned my favor in their lives. I have loved them straight from their mother’s womb. I’m constantly looking for ways that I can bless them. That’s the way that God sees us—in a grander, more amazing way. He blesses us immeasurably.

As God lavishes his grace on us, we ought to follow God’s example be gracious toward those around us (Ephesians 1:7–8; Matthew 18:21–35). Rather than looking for faults and shortcomings in others, we ought to simply be looking for ways to bless them regardless of whether or not they deserve it. But this is not easy.

Have you ever worked or spent time with someone who had absolutely no grace toward others? Wow! That is so hard to endure, isn’t it?

With that in mind, one needs to ask this question: “are you that type of person who shows no grace toward others?” Are you constantly picking at others and finding faults in their lives? What about your spouse or other family members? Are you a refreshing spring of grace in the lives of those around you? Imagine how our relationships would be transformed if we were truly offered an abundant supply of grace to all those we are in contact with throughout the day.

Today’s big idea: as you enjoy the gift of grace that God has given you, you also should share that gift with others with whom you have contact throughout the day.

What to pray: pray that God will allow you to be a source of grace in the lives of those around you.