Amazing Grace

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now am found

Was blind, but now I see

- Amazing Grace, Hymn

“There is nothing that sin has damaged that isn’t addressed by God’s amazing grace.”

- Paul Tripp

Whether our sins, selfishness, or situations, there is nothing we can do to earn God’s amazing grace. Likewise, there is nothing we can do to receive more of His love or less of His love. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, we simply receive His unmerited love. God just loves us. God loves sinners. God loves you and me.

However, sometimes as I go through life and sin or find my heart proud and selfish, I feel what the writer of Psalm 77 expresses:

Will the Lord reject forever and never again show favor?

Has his faithful love ceased forever?

Is his promise at an end for all generations?

Has God forgotten to be gracious?

Has he in anger withheld his compassion?

- Psalm 77:7-9 (HCSB)

So many outside the church feel tainted that they will never walk into a church. However, some folks would attend church regularly who felt God had enough of their sin and selfishness. Some would attend church and table groups or different events to earn God’s love. Some would come in shame to earn his favor. Some would give an offering to earn His compassion.

We sometimes ascribe human traits to a perfectly loving and holy God. “If God knew what I did or felt, He would never love me.”

Listen, friends, in my Christian journey, I, too, have tried to earn more of God’s love by doing church things. But let me tell you, we come on Sundays not to earn but to yearn for Christ. We come to Jesus daily to be reminded of His amazing grace that is given freely to those who confess and trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We come to be thankful. We come to be worshipful.

To answer the psalmist, no, God has not forgotten to be gracious. How do we know this? We look at the cross of Jesus Christ where there is proof that his grace is for us. Now and forevermore, we don’t have to fight to earn it but to simply receive it.

Friends, take a moment to receive His amazing grace. Take it in. Rest in it. Trust in it. Amen.

Pastor Sean

‍