The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:14-17

God’s grace, His unmerited favor, was poured out on us at the cross.

He redeemed us with His precious blood. (I Peter 1:19) I Peter 1:13 tells us to set our hope on God’s grace and to be prepared for action. In the language of the first century, it meant to gather up your long flowing garments and be ready for physical action. We are called to action by setting our minds for action, by being self-controlled, and by setting our hope in God’s grace. Peter is calling us to have active faith as we pursue holiness – by being obedient and by not conforming to the world. (v.14) God calls us to “be holy as He is holy,” living in reverent fear of Him and in obedience to His Word.

What is the stumbling block that keeps you from accessing God’s grace? Perhaps you are ashamed of a past sin, a present sin. Perhaps you believe that God’s grace is for everyone else, but not for you. As Jesus walked to the cross, He thought of YOU; as He hung on the cross, He thought of YOU; as He rose from the grave, He thought of YOU. He only has eyes for you, His beloved child. God’s ways are not our ways. We think He only has the capacity or time to love just a few people, or to extend grace to a chosen few. His love and acceptance are beyond our understanding. Though he hates sin, He loves us individually and never forsakes us. Turn to Him… no, run to Him; He is waiting to shower you with His grace.

Heavenly Father,

I am ashamed of the things that I have done, and the things that I have left undone. I do not deserve Your grace and do not feel Your love. Today I refuse to believe the lie that You do not have enough love to go around or that You have favorites. You came to this earth filled with grace and truth, and I choose to believe that I am the one that You love forever and ever.

In Jesus’ name, Amen