Day 98: Grace, Truth, and Mercy – A Biblical Reflection on God’s Gifts

As we move through life, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the blessings and grace we receive are due to our goodness or righteousness. But when we look at God’s Word, we see something deeper and more profound. Grace, mercy, and blessing come from God not because of anything we have done to deserve it but because of who He is and His promises to His people. In today’s reflection, we dive into the truth that God gives grace because of His nature, not ours.

Biblical Principle: Absolute Truth from God’s Word

The idea of grace is foundational to understanding God’s character and relationship with His people. In Deuteronomy 9:4-5, the Israelites are reminded of a fundamental truth: the blessings they are receiving are not because of their righteousness. God was giving them victory over the nations in Canaan, but it wasn’t due to their goodness. Instead, it was because the people they were displacing were wicked, and God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was being fulfilled.

Here’s the scripture:

Deuteronomy 9:4-5 (KJV):
“Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness, the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee. Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

The Israelites were not granted victory because they had earned it. The grace they received resulted from God’s faithfulness to His promises. It reminded them that God’s blessings come from His nature, not ours. It’s essential to recognize that grace is not earned—it is given freely because God is faithful, loving, and merciful.

We should be careful not to think that God’s grace is given because of our goodness, and equally, we should not judge others by assuming they are outside of God’s grace because of their perceived shortcomings. God’s grace is available to all who turn to Him by faith, no matter their past. His promise, not our merit, opens the door to His blessings.

Practical Application: God’s Mercy and Grace in Our Lives

When we recognize that grace is a gift, we are better equipped to understand the mercy God shows to us. Ephesians 2:4-9 beautifully highlights the truth that our salvation and God’s love are not based on our works but on His grace:

Ephesians 2:4-9 (KJV):
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved); and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”

These verses remind us that God’s mercy is great, and His grace is sufficient for everyone who believes by faith. It’s not because we are "good" or "better" than others; it’s because of God's infinite love for us. His grace saves us, and that salvation is a gift—not something we can earn. This grace should humble us, reminding us that our standing with God is not a result of our achievements or moral superiority but of God’s love and His plan for our lives.

Moreover, God’s grace extends beyond just saving us from sin. It is a living, active force that empowers us to live in a way that reflects His love and mercy to others. Understanding that we have received grace freely allows us to extend grace to others. We are not called to judge others based on their “worthiness” of grace but to offer them the same mercy God has shown us.

Living Out the Truth

As we continue to reflect on God’s grace, let us be mindful of the following principles:

1. Humility: Recognize that grace, not our efforts, saves us. This should humble us and eliminate pride in thinking we are better than others.

2. Mercy to Others: Just as God has shown us mercy, we are called to extend grace where judgment might be more straightforward.

3. Faith, Not Works: Our faith in Christ is the key to receiving God’s grace. It’s not about what we do but about who we believe in.

4. Gratefulness: Let our lives reflect our thankfulness for the gift of grace we have received. It should shape how we interact with others, see our blessings, and approach life.

Conclusion

God’s grace is an unearned gift from His character and faithfulness. As we look at the Israelites and their conquest of the Promised Land, we are reminded that God’s blessings are not a result of our righteousness but His promise to fulfill His Word. Likewise, our salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by works but given through faith in Jesus Christ.

May we, as recipients of God’s grace, walk humbly, extend mercy to others, and live lives that reflect His kindness and love. Grace is not just a theological concept; it’s a way of life we are called to share with others as we experience it ourselves.