Tom Barnard

“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times,

having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

(2 Corinthians 9:8)

“The grace or love of God, whence cometh our salvation, is free in all, and free for all.

It is free in all to whom it is given. It does not depend on any power or merit in man;

no, not in any degree, neither in whole, nor in part. It does not in anywise depend

either on the good works or righteousness of the receiver;

 not on anything he has done, or anything he is.”

John Wesley

Could it be any clearer? God has a gift for you. It is the most valuable gift in the world. You cannot buy it, even if you have wealth beyond measure. It is free to you. God has already paid for it in full. You cannot earn it. You don’t deserve it, but God wants you to have it. It does not depend on anything you are, anything you have, or anything you do. In fact, even if you decide you don’t want to accept the gift, God still offers it to you. If you choose to accept it, you will have all of it you will ever need. And it will help you excel in everything good you do for others.

God’s gift to you is the Gift of Grace!

How great is this gift? Consider these words from songwriter Julia H. Johnson, written in 1910:

“Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, freely bestowed on all who believe….”

No wonder it is called Amazing!

Heavenly Father, I cannot comprehend the height or depth or width of your grace. Words cannot describe it. It is only as I experience your grace that I can begin to plumb its depth. It is only as I look into your face that I can begin to understand its breadth. It is only as I reach out to others that I can begin to realize that when the apostle said “all,” he meant “all”—all grace, in all things, for all my needs, at all times, in all circumstances, for as long as I live, so that I will lack nothing I need. Even when I don’t feel your grace is near, it is near. Even when I can’t see your grace operating, it is. All I need to do is believe it, and receive it. And I do that now. Amen.