Do You Struggle To Receive Grace?

But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world

Galatians 6:14 

Perhaps one of the reasons some of us struggle so deeply to grasp the grace of God is because we are not comfortable receiving. If our framework for gaining value, or love, is always tied to our ability to earn, we will struggle with the understanding that God’s love for us is utterly non-contingent upon anything within ourselves.

But, once you grow in the humbleness that allows you to receive the free gift of grace, it’s like a new Christianity opens up to you. One that changes your understanding of God. It gives a rest that my joy of God (and his joy in me) is not bound to the ups and downs of my day.

As Ephesians 2 says: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Where do you look to receive grace? Is it only acceptable when you are doing well? Or are you a candidate for grace when you are jacked up and lost?

I can receive because I know that God gives His love to me with the full knowledge of the worst about me. So no new knowledge of my sins or my failings will dissuade Him from loving me. That freedom and rest only come when you can let go of needing to earn every bit of love, affection, and gift. Perhaps it’s a life long process.

Perhaps it’s what boasting in the cross is.

Boasting in the Cross with you,

Josh.

---