Family Faith:

Grace — a mesmerizing, tranquil word. When I hear or read it, I reflect upon such actions as forgiveness, console, assistance, even hope. God extends His grace to man on a daily basis. And while most of us may have a certain definition for this word within our mind, what exactly is grace?

Many us have heard that “grace” is God giving us what we do not deserve, while “mercy” is God not giving us what we do deserve. Grace is a difficult concept for some to grasp because they may feel others receive it more than they do. Still others believe they are undeserving. I know I stand in the group of individuals who are grateful for the grace God has given them, for it has transformed my life from a futile existence to a fruitful one.

Grace is in direct contrast with debt; we do not earn it with our labor (Romans 4:4). We cannot obtain it by our toil, “And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace,” Romans 11:6. We receive grace from both God the Father (II Corinthians 1:12) and His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:6), not because of what we do: But because of who God is.

God’s grace progresses us through dreadfully painful times, fills our life with beauty in the good times, and extends from the beginning to the end of our journey on this Earth with our Savior. And grace continues in heaven where we shall experience God’s everlasting love.

As we find God’s grace, we are to respond with gratitude (Romans 6:17). Oftentimes, we focus our Christianity on what we should and should not do. But it is God’s grace that saved us, and that we did not do ourselves, it is a gift from God.

Ephesians 1:2 begins with, “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul uses the word “grace” 12 times in the book of Ephesians. Verse 11 of chapter 1 goes on to say that, “In Him we were also chosen having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”

Christ is the center of God’s plan for us — and He does have a plan and will for our life. And as we respond to that call, His grace abounds. No matter what we have suffered on this Earth, done wrong, or had committed against us. Once we walk toward God and respond, He is able to change the path we are on — a path lined with fruit, grace and blessing.

I am thankful, grateful, indebted to my Lord for His grace upon my own life. He died for my sins and has a plan for me even amid the chaos and pain living can bring. This is the kind of God we serve; this is why I dedicate myself to Him. And no one can take that kind of devotion from me, for no one has the power to separate us from Christ. And I write today assured that no one loves any of us like our Lord — a God of never-ending grace and mercy.

 THE REV. KIMBERLIE ZAKARIAN can be reached by e-mail at holyhouse9@aol.com or by mail at Holy House Ministries c/o the Rev. Kimberlie Zakarian, 9641 Tujunga Canyon Blvd., Tujunga, CA 91042