Loved by Grace

Author: Ayodeji Oludapo

Date: September 10, 2024

Scripture: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." — Romans 5:8 (NIV)

Devotional Thoughts

Grace is one of the most beautiful gifts we receive from God. It’s His unmerited favour, a love so deep that it surpasses all human understanding. Grace isn’t something we earn; it’s something we are given freely. God’s grace is the ultimate display of His love for us. Even when we fall short or feel unworthy, His grace remains steadfast.

Take, for example, the life of the Apostle Paul. Before he became a fervent follower of Christ, he was a persecutor of Christians. His past was filled with mistakes and harmful actions against God's people. Yet, when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), everything changed. Paul didn’t earn grace, but it was given to him nonetheless. Through that grace, Paul was transformed and became one of the greatest apostles, spreading the gospel to many nations. His life is a testament to the truth that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.

Just like Paul, we, too, are loved by grace. We may have a past filled with mistakes or feel undeserving of God's love, but His grace still reaches out to us. His love is not conditional on our performance; it is unconditional and freely given. This grace can transform us, just as it transformed Paul.

Practical Reflections

• Accepting Grace: Many times, we find it hard to accept grace because we feel unworthy. Reflect on any areas of your life where you may be struggling to receive God's grace fully. Understand that God’s love for you isn’t based on what you do but on who He is.

• Extending Grace: As we receive grace, we are called to extend it to others. Is there someone in your life who you need to forgive or show grace to, just as God has forgiven and shown grace to you?

• Living in Grace: Living loved by grace changes how we view ourselves and others. Instead of striving for perfection, we rest in the truth that God's grace covers our imperfections. Consider how you can live more fully in the freedom that grace brings.

Closing Thoughts

God's grace is a powerful reminder that we are deeply loved, not because of what we’ve done, but because of who He is. It is a love that pursues us, forgives us, and transforms us into the people God has called us to be. Just as Paul experienced a radical transformation through grace, so too can we. No matter our past, no matter our mistakes, we are loved by grace, and that love can change everything.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me by Your grace. I am amazed by Your unconditional love, which reaches me even when I fall short. Help me to accept this grace fully in my life and extend it to others. Transform my heart and mind by Your grace, that I may live in the freedom of being deeply loved by You. Thank You for the example of Paul, who reminds me that no one is beyond the reach of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.