Grace
Paul begins all of his letters by saying, "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ." Of all the qualities I always wondered why does Paul say grace and peace?
Well, grace is central to the new covenant with Christ.
Peace is then born out of this new grace.
Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines grace as, "unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification; a virtue coming from God; (and) a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace."
Here are several verses on the topic of grace. :)
A funny side note, grace is actually my middle name. I don't always live up to that, but I hope to. lol :)
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
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.
For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
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.
And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,
Of David. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. ...
But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people
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