Grace

 

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. ~Ephesians 2:8-9

Grace is defined as the free gift of undeserved favor.  "It is a virtue that comes from God and it is a state of sanctification that is achieved through divine assistance."   It is because of God alone that I am saved; that I am set apart through faith.  It is not of my own doing.  There is not enough good works in the world to cleanse me like the blood of Jesus.  I can only boast in the Lord and His goodness.  

It is because of His mercy that I am not condemned.  "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,-Romans 8:1.  So when my nerves become irritated by the behaviors of others I have to remember to extend grace.  I am not perfect, just saved by grace.  I have to look at others the way Christ does.  I find that when I do this, I become less irritated and not so easily agitated.  I am walking in the love that Christ lavished on me.  Now I am loving others.  I'm living life Christ's way and not my own.

Lord, I thank You for Your grace and mercy and the gift of salvation.  I thank You that all You require me to do is believe and accept your love.  Your grace and not my works sanctify me.  Help me to remember that when dealing with others.  Help me to continue to extend grace and forgiveness.  Help me to love like You.  In Jesus name.  Amen