“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God” Romans 5:1-2.

Peace, so strongly desired, is rarely realized. There is far too much profit from war to be realized by the military-industrial complexes of nations. Citizens prefer peace, but the powerful and aggressive demand war.

A state of war naturally exists between the holy God and sinful and unholy people. True peace, however, is declared for those who belong to God’s favored Son, Jesus the Christ. Simple faith in His work and sacrifice introduce us to the realm of grace.

I wonder how well we understand grace. Many people have sung or heard the well-known hymn, “Amazing Grace,” and many are familiar with “saying grace” (praying) before a meal, but do we really grasp the concept of grace? Grace is simply defined as unmerited favor, but this definition may do little in helping us to truly grasp its meaning and significance.

Through grace, the slate is wiped clean. Those who are in Christ through faith are people without a past. Our holy God is not keeping a report card of wrongs to taunt and accuse us with. “As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us” Psalm 103:12. The reality of guilt is gone.

But, here’s the rub: guilty emotions and feelings often remain. We sometimes do not release what God through Christ has forgiven. Grace received should be grace expressed. “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you” Matthew 7:2. Those who savor the abundant grace shown through Christ will extend that grace to others. We will be quick to forgive wrongs in others, even as God through Christ is quick to forgive our massive debt of wrong. The proof of grace received is grace extended.

Truth be told, I am finding that I personally have much to learn about grace. I am a perfectionist, and that is challenging on many levels. I am exacting in my memory of regrettable things, and the associated feelings of guilt seem to be inseparably tied to these things. It is difficult to release myself from what God has long ago released me from. Perhaps you can relate.

A new day is a new beginning in the truest sense. Yesterday’s wrongs and failures are forever gone in the eyes of our Father. His grace covers it all. Before us today is the opportunity to practice grace: toward others, and toward ourselves. As the verse says, In this grace we stand. Let us truly stand in it with confidence and rejoicing, May His grace abound.

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