Poet, Wendell Berry, suggests that the remedy for despair is to rest in the “grace of the world.” Author, William Kent Kruger, titled his classic work, “Ordinary Grace.” Christians believe we are saved by faith through grace. God’s grace is usually defined as undeserved favor. Grace cannot be earned; it is something that is freely given.
Bible verses about grace abound. From the foundation of the Hebrew Scriptures, we know that God is a loving and gracious God. In the New Testament, we learn about the role of grace in our faith and salvation.
For me, I am fond of the word and concept of grace. I am drawn to the idea of love that is not earned by the recipient, but freely given without obligation. Which causes me to wonder why we try so hard to earn other’s love and affection. At times we go to great extremes to create the obligation which has no foundation in grace. We humans seem to possess an inherent contradiction. On one hand, we yearn for unconditional love and acceptance, the very essence of grace. Yet, simultaneously, we often find ourselves trapped in a cycle of performance and striving, seeking to earn the love and approval of others.
Perhaps we should rethink our lives, spending less time trying to earn someone’s love, and spend more time giving grace. If we truly believe in the transformative power of grace, we must actively cultivate it in our lives and communities. This involves not only receiving grace but also extending it to others. It means practicing forgiveness, empathy, and compassion. It means creating spaces where people feel safe to be vulnerable and imperfect. Embracing grace requires a shift in perspective from one of scarcity to abundance. It invites us to let go of our need to be perfect and to embrace our inherent worthiness.
By resting in the grace of God and the world, we can find a deeper sense of peace, joy, and connection.
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