Previous post: What is Grace?
(Ephesians 4:7) But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
One of the most amazing things about the grace of God is that it is available grace. It is available to anyone and everyone. Paul says that grace is given unto every one of us – from the least to the greatest. Even those that do not trust Christ as their Savior still have some measure of grace – the very fact that they are alive is grace. Because of our sin, we do not deserve to still be alive physically, much less have the opportunity for spiritual life.
Paul mentions “the measure of the gift of Christ.” This is an awesome, yet misunderstood, aspect of God’s grace. Many people view God’s grace only on one level. They view that God’s grace is the same for every person for every situation. This is not the case. This does not mean that God is unfair, in that He gives some people more grace than others. On the contrary, it demonstrates God’s love even more.
Paul mentions a problem that he had – a thorn in the flesh – in 2 Corinthians 12. He prayed and begged God to have it taken away. On the third time, God answered, ” My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” God’s grace is not a one-size-fits-all thing – God’s grace is perfectly tailored to meet each and every need.
It is amazing to be able to read about the martyrs in times gone past, where great men of God were persecuted and then killed for proclaiming the truth. You can read the accounts of these men and women would be tied to a stake and burned to death slowly, and they would be singing praises to God and preaching the Gospel one last time, pleading for sinners to repent. I can stand back and wonder how they could possibly act that way in that situation. The answer – God’s grace was made perfect for their situation. I don’t need that kind of grace on a daily basis, so I don’t understand it.
When a loved one passes away, and a dear Christian brother or sister is left destitute of their spouse, the person that stood by them through the good and bad times. Now they face the trial of living life alone (so to speak). When you are used to have someone there all the time to share the burdens with and, all of a sudden, you are there to bear them alone, it could seem impossible. But God’s grace is available to help. It is made perfect in this situation as well. I have never lost my spouse, so I don’t understand this grace either – but I understand the concept.
Hebrews 4:16 assures us that we can come “boldly before the throne of grace,” and God’s grace is available at all times. It is a wonderful thought to know that God’s grace is always available for us, no matter when we need it, no matter what we are facing in our lives.