Yesterday I ended my post with this verse…
“Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2: 1
I think we should talk about grace… maybe even talk about mercy. What really is the difference between grace and mercy? What’s so amazing about grace? We hear people say, “It’s only because of the grace of God,” but what do they really mean? What exactly is grace anyway? Before some people have their dinner, they say “grace.” Is it some form of blessing? Does it make you holy? Or do people just say it to make themselves feel good? For some, these questions need to be answered.
When we look at the above scripture, Timothy is told to be strong through grace. How can someone be strong through grace? Grace is God’s undeserved favor on our behalf. Just as we’re saved by God’s grace…
“God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done so none of us can boast about it.” Ephesians 2: 8-9
We should live by it…
“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2: 6-7
This scripture is telling us to completely trust in Christ—in His power, and not try to live life in our own strength alone. He will give us strength to do His work. Also, aren’t there times when we look at someone else’s situation and wonder how the heck they make it through whatever trial or circumstance they are enduring? Again, it’s impossible to understand it fully, but God in His wisdom equips each person with just enough strength to endure what is going on in their individual lives. Let’s look at what Paul says about his thorn in the flesh…
“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12: 8-9
Three times Paul prayed for healing and did not receive it. He received, however, greater grace from God, a stronger character, humility, and an ability to empathize with others. In addition, it benefited those around him as they saw God work in his life.
More on grace and mercy in the next few days. I’m thinking how awesome God’s Word is. I mean… we can just jump from one thing (one scripture) to another, and everything just connects together so easily. I’ll try to connect the scripture the best way I know how—from my heart.