20 Feb Only By Grace

Most of us are familiar with the words of the beautiful old hymn “Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost but now am found, was blind now I see. ”

I have heard an acrostic of grace God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense but what does it mean to the ‘average’ person? Grace is the gift that offered Jesus to the thief on the cross, this day you will be with me in paradise. Grace is what Jesus said to the women caught in adultery “neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more” Grace tells a women desperate for the Master’s healing touch “daughter your faith has made you heal” Grace is what was shown to the Roman centurion when Jesus raised his child from the dead. Grace is what tells a hardened criminal, there is room at the cross for him or her. Grace weeps at the graveside of a loved one but whispers because of the resurrection.

Joy comes in the morning and offers comfort in knowing ‘morning’ will surely come. Grace allows room for doubts and fear while still offering hope. God’s grace, grace that is greater than all my sin. Grace tells me I am not my own but belong body and soul in life and death to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ.

He has fully paid for all my sins and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. Grace is the power of Christ to look beyond my faults and see my inability.

Dear friends! Have you ever tasted His amazing Grace, which is ready for you? His grace is available for us. May the almighty God bless you with His grace. Amen.

Syam B. Pattapu works with World Vision India as Program Manager. Graduate from Daryapur. Maharashtra