The Gift of Free Grace: Celebrating God’s Amazing Grace

By Katherine Barner

In a world that often prioritizes the tangible, many of us find joy in the little things—especially when they’re free! I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love free stuff. My journey into couponing started a couple of years ago, and I can’t tell you how exciting it is to walk out of a store with items that didn’t cost me a dime. Grocery shopping transforms into a treasure hunt, where I’m constantly on the lookout for deals that let me snag essentials without spending a penny.

However, there's a realization that comes with couponing: even though I might get something for free today, I’ll eventually need to buy more. Sometimes, I can score items for just a few cents or even find them for free again. Yet, the cycle continues, and I find myself back at the store for another transaction. Thankfully, the same can’t be said for God’s grace!

The Importance of Amazing Grace

Recognizing the significance of God’s amazing grace should stir a profound response within us. It prompts us to love Him more fervently, honor Him more intently, and serve Him more diligently. The beloved hymn captures this beautifully:

Amazing grace how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now I'm found.

Was blind but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fears relieved.

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed.

When we've been there ten thousand years

Bright shining as the sun

We've no less days to sing God's praise

Then when we first begun.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but now I'm found.

Was blind, but now I see!

This timeless song serves as a reminder of the transformation that grace brings into our lives. As women of valor, we are called to acknowledge the power of grace, which enables us to navigate our challenges with courage and faith.

Understanding Free Grace

God’s grace is unlike any promotional deal or freebie we might find in stores. It’s an everlasting gift, freely given to us at the moment we put our faith in Jesus Christ and His completed work on the cross. This divine grace is not something that diminishes over time or requires repeated transactions.

As Romans 5:20 reminds us,

“God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (NLT)

A paraphrase of this verse brings it closer to home:

“Now we find that the Law keeps slipping into the picture to point the vast extent of sin. Yet, though sin is shown to be wide and deep, thank God his grace is wider and deeper still! The whole outlook changes—sin used to be the master of men and in the end handed them over to death: now grace is the ruling factor, with righteousness as its purpose and its end the bringing of men to the eternal life of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (J.B. Phillips New Testament)

Imagine a reservoir that never runs dry, continually overflowing with water. This is how God’s grace operates in our lives. No matter how many times we stumble or fall short, His grace is there, ready to uplift us.

The Bible says,

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9 NKJV

This incredible gift allows us to experience unmerited favor and endless forgiveness, regardless of our flaws.

Conformed to the Image of Christ

But at the same time, we know that He also helps us conform to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. This process of transformation is a lifelong journey where we are shaped and molded into Christ's likeness.

Romans 8:29 reminds us of this purpose:

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” (NKJV)

A powerful verse that illustrates how God helps us change to become more like Christ is 2 Corinthians 3:18:

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as [a]by the Spirit of the Lord.” (NKJV)

This verse emphasizes the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, guiding us toward the likeness of Christ as we reflect on His glory.

Living by Grace Through Faith

So, the same way we get saved is the same way we live—by grace through faith.

Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” NKJV

Verses 4 to 10 in this wonderful paraphrase say,

“But even though we were dead in our sins God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love He had for us, gave us life together with Christ—it is, remember, by grace and not by achievement that you are saved—and has lifted us right out of the old life to take our place with him in Christ in the Heavens.

Thus He shows for all time the tremendous generosity of the grace and kindness He has expressed towards us in Christ Jesus. It was nothing you could or did achieve—it was God’s gift to you. No one can pride himself upon earning the love of God. The fact is that what we are we owe to the hand of God upon us. We are born afresh in Christ, and born to do those good deeds which God planned for us to do.” (J.B. Phillips New Testament)

This principle applies not only to our initial salvation but also to our daily walk with God. We rely on His grace to empower us, enabling us to overcome sin and reflect His character in our lives. As we continue to grow in our faith, Philippians 1:6 assures us:

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (NKJV)

In this way, God’s grace continually sustains us, transforming our hearts and lives to mirror Christ more closely each day.

Grace for Women: A Lifeline in Challenges

For women, grace can be a lifeline, offering strength in times of struggle and reassurance amid the storms of life. When we acknowledge our imperfections and the burdens we carry, we also recognize that grace is a safe haven. Proverbs 31:25 beautifully illustrates this point:

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” (NLT)

This passage is a testament to the grace that empowers us as women. It reminds us that we can face the future with confidence, knowing that God’s grace accompanies us.

Corrie ten Boom, a notable Christian woman of valor, grace, and great faith who survived the horrors of World War II, once said,

“There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still.”

Her words echo the sentiment that grace can find us in our darkest moments, guiding us toward healing and hope.

Living in Appreciation of Grace

As we embrace the concept of amazing grace, let us also recognize the immense cost at which it was given. The death of Jesus on the cross represents the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. Each time we reflect on this, we should be compelled to live our lives in appreciation of His incredible grace.

This is a call to action for women of valor—to lift each other up and share stories of how God’s grace has transformed our lives. Whether through small group discussions, prayer gatherings, or community outreach, let’s create spaces where we can testify to the goodness of God.

Celebrate His Amazing Grace Daily

As we journey through life, let us celebrate the gift of free grace and the amazing grace that God extends to each of us. By recognizing and sharing this gift, we can uplift one another as women of valor and encourage others to experience the profound love of Christ.

Dwight L. Moody, a pioneering American evangelist and publisher whose impactful ministry emphasized personal faith and social reform, said,

“A man can no more take in a supply of grace for the future than he can eat enough today to last him for the next 6 months, nor can he inhale sufficient air into his lungs with one breath to sustain life for a week to come. We are permitted to draw upon God’s store of grace from day to day as we need it.”

When we reflect on Dwight L. Moody's words about grace, it’s clear that he had a deep understanding of our daily needs: “A man can no more take in a supply of grace for the future than he can eat enough today to last him for the next 6 months.” This is such a powerful reminder, isn’t it?

Now, think about our lives as women of faith. We often wear so many hats—partners, mothers, caregivers, professionals, friends—and each day can present its own set of challenges. Just like Moody emphasizes that we can only draw upon God’s grace one day at a time, women are invited to embrace this daily renewal.

Every morning, when we wake up, we can tap into God’s endless supply of strength and wisdom for whatever the day throws our way. It’s a beautiful dance of faith and resilience! By focusing on that daily grace, we can truly thrive as women of valor and make a meaningful impact in our families and communities. What a comforting thought!

So, praise God today for His amazing grace! Live your life as a testament to what it took for Him to extend that grace to you—His Son, Jesus Christ.

Are you ready to delve deeper into the concept of grace and its impact on your life?