This Is Love

By Andrew Beasley     Dan Winkler, in his book on grace, says that it is comprised of three elements which are the mercy, love and kindness of God. The more simplistic definition that is often given is that grace is simply unmerited favor. Both are worthy ways of defining and understanding grace but the more important question is how does the unmerited favor, mercy, love and kindness of God impact and change my life? The Bible informs us that God’s grace and its impact on our lives is multifaceted. We are of course saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8). It may continue with us, as John wishes for his readers at the end of the book of Revelation.     For the Hebrews writer, a throne of grace is described that can be drawn near to for the purpose of receiving grace when we are in need (Heb. 4:16). Context tells us that it is not just any need, but need in time of temptation. Immediately preceding this statement is a comforting reminder that we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, and who can sympathize with our weaknesses as He was tempted just as we are.     In other words, even when temptation abounds we can find help in God’s unmerited favor, mercy, love and kindness to overcome the challenges before us if we just choose to draw clear to Him. What a blessed and comforting thought!

-Andrew Beasley serves as a minister with the Northwest Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://nwchurchofchrist.com/about/