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Unmerited, Underserved, Unconditional

Growing up, grace wasn’t a concept that I could fully understand. By nature, I try to please others. This led me to feeling that love and kindness from others was based on how “good” I was. I won’t lie to you by saying this is no longer a struggle for me. I still seek approval. I still tie responses to my own behavior and usually blame myself when someone is upset. I still want to, try, and, fail to fix things that don’t seem okay. What a distorted view of mercy and grace.

“But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.” 1 Corinthians 15:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When I finally understood that God’s love and favor for me is not dependent upon what I do or don’t do, it changed my life. It freed me from feeling the need to be perfect all the time. Because, friend, I am far from perfect! No matter how hard I work to do what I’m supposed to do and how I should react, I will inevitably fail. 

The thing is, when I recognize grace for what it is (God’s UNMERITED favor), I can receive it. I know I don’t deserve it. Grace is extended to me by my loving Father, not because of who I am, but because of who HE is.

“From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.” John‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God is still perfecting me in so many areas. Receipt of His grace is one. He is also giving me opportunities to show grace to others in the same way He shows grace to me. He’s still working on me, but I’m thankful that He is perfect and I am not. I’m even more grateful that His grace for me is not based on a set of rules and conditions. Unmerited, undeserved, unconditional. That’s grace.

“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

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