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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
This notion of giving oneself grace spans well beyond any biblical consideration of what grace truly means. Our society tells us repeatedly to excuse our failings by resting in self-grace when we fail to meet our own expectations or the expectations of others.
The truth is true grace is only experienced and extended by God. By grace we have been saved by faith alone. Grace is unmerited favor from God, and we cannot give that to ourselves. The only way we can apply grace to ourselves is to walk in the grace of God. In 2 Peter 3:18, we are exhorted to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Jesus says, my grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul remarks he can boast more gladly about his weakness so that Christ’s power can rest on him.
Jesus covers us in grace. He alone is sufficient. By acknowledging we are sinners and saved by grace alone, we can focus on the example we have in Jesus. We cannot grow in our faith by looking at ourselves. It is in the fullness of this realization—grace comes through faith and Jesus is all sufficient—that we can show grace both to ourselves and others.
When we truly stop and think about the need for grace, it is rooted in our sin. And we cannot ever forgive ourselves. Only Jesus can cover our sins. Sin has no dominion over us since we are not under the law but under grace. Romans 6:14 reminds us we are under grace—free favor—and that is what we experience through Jesus Christ alone.
We have just started a new year. Oftentimes, we consider this time of renewal where we have set new expectations on ourselves, on our relationships, or even our work. A new fresh calendar. Maybe you are off to a great start, but maybe like Paul, you need to reflect and boast gladly in your weakness and inability to do it all alone.
We cannot overcome our sin nature alone. We need Jesus. In every expectation set for ourselves or every moment we fail—which for me feels like daily. We must remember we must bring all of this to Jesus to experience grace.
Not only do we experience grace but in acknowledging our weakness, Christ’s power rests on us. Grace=free favor=Jesus Christ=the power of Christ over my life.