“Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.

Costly grace…is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble, it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him.”

— Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Gift of GRACE

Grace.

Some of our favorite anthems in the church center on this one little word — grace. Amazing, matchless, wonderful grace.

And yet, far too often, we live our lives, day in and day out, with no true recognition of what grace means, how it changes everything for us. Today, let’s focus on how grace opens the door for us to approach God.

Observe

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 ESV

The throne of grace. Such a beautiful image, isn’t it?

God, in all His glory and power, sits on the throne of grace, where we have the profound gift of coming to Him with boldness in any situation or circumstance.

How often do we forget that? How often do we fail to remember that He is ever present in our lives, always there to hear our prayers, to respond to our call?

Perhaps, what we need now more than ever, is to remember grace is both the provision of God for us to know salvation AND the invitation of God to draw near to Him.

Reflect

How often are you guilty of trying to do it all on your own? Or maybe you don’t bring your requests to God because you feel they are too small or you are not worthy?

The throne of grace is the answer to all of this — it’s the opening God offers for us to share our burdens, our fears, our doubts, and our need with Him. Why don’t we embrace that?

What keeps you from drawing near to the throne of grace? What is it that keeps you from coming before Him with boldness, confident in God’s love for you? Spend some time today asking God to help you understand this picture of grace, this beautiful opportunity to come into His presence with certainty that He loves and cares for you.

Respond

Lord, it’s so easy to get caught up in all the fears and pressures and worries of this life. And when we do, we miss out on the gift of grace, the opportunity to come before you. Will you help us walk in confidence? Not in ourselves, but in the grace you have given us. May that grace give us boldness to come before you with every need and desire, to trust you in everything. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Grace is both provision for salvation and invitation to draw near to Him. #lopsidedliving Share on X

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Recommended Resource

Earlier this year I read Grace Is Greater by Kyle Idleman. It is one of the best books about the grace of God I’ve ever read. Not only full of sound theology, Idelman writes in a manner that is relational and easy-to-understand. Throughout the book, I was reminded how the degree to which I can appreciate grace is in direct proportion to the degree of my understanding of my sin. It’s such an important truth. Perhaps you are struggling with accepting and living in the grace of God? This book is a valuable tool for all believers who want to grow deeper in their faith. I highly recommend it.

Order GRACE IS GREATER {affiliate link}

Thank you for joining me as we choose SEEING THE GIFTS OF GOD IN EVERY DAY LIFE. If you miss any of the posts in this series you can find them indexed here. Also, if this idea of lopsided living appeals to you, be sure to join my FULL LIFE CLUB. Every month I send an email full of encouragement, inspiration, and practical ideas for living a full life even when you have a full calendar.

xoxo,

Teri Lynne