Key Verse

“My grace is sufficient for you…”
– 2 Corinthians 12:9a

Basic Biblical Understanding

Grace is often defined as God’s unmerited favor or God’s benevolence toward the unworthy. That means we can do nothing to earn God’s favor or kindness. While the definition seems simple, it might be hard to see where God’s unmerited favor is tangibly at work in our lives. Here are a few biblical examples that show how God’s grace impacts our lives in real and powerful ways.

• God’s grace is necessary for our salvation. “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8a). God’s unmerited favor did something “in us and for us” that we could not do for ourselves. He quickened a dead spirit (Ephesians 2:1), illumined a deceived mind (2 Corinthians 4:4), and drew us to Himself in salvation (John 6:44). That’s grace.

• God’s grace provides enablement and strength. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Corinthians 12:9a). The Apostle Paul needed strength to endure suffering. God said, “My grace is sufficient.” God’s unmerited favor provided strength where there was no strength.

• God’s grace sustains us in times of need. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). When we’re in trouble, when we’re afraid, when we’re in need—God encourages us to “draw near to the throne of grace” to find mercy and grace to help.

• God’s grace abounds through us to others. “But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also” (2 Corinthians 8:7). As we have received from God, we are to extend to others. We are to show kindness even when people don’t deserve it.

These passages show how God’s grace impacts our lives in real and powerful ways. Here’s a broader definition of grace. Grace is God’s unmerited favor where He does in us, and through us, and for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We could not save ourselves. God did in us and for us what we could not do. When we’re weak, going through trials, or having a hard time responding well to others, God does in us and through us and for us what we cannot do. That’s grace.

Verses (ask God to to show you how they apply to your life)

“And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips.”
– Luke 4:22a

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt.”
– Colossians 4:6

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
– 2 Timothy 2:1

Helpful Questions and Application

1. Where in your life (today) do you need God to do something in you, through you, or for you that you cannot do for yourself?

2. One of the greatest deterrents to grace is pride. James 4:6 says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” A humble person acknowledges their limitations and needs. Where is pride keeping you from experiencing the wonders of grace?

Additional Resources

Scripture references: Romans 6:14; James 4:6; John 1:16