Jesus’ Grace Is Enough
By Andrea Chatelain
“Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:16-17
For years, I thought God was disappointed in me, so at the end of every church service I walked out feeling discouraged not encouraged. It seemed like God expected perfection, and there was no way I would ever measure up.
So I strived. I tried to earn God’s love by getting good grades, doing all the right activities, and being good. But it wasn’t enough. Every mistake reminded me that I was falling short. I didn’t understand the concept of grace, and religion made me weary.
So I ran.
Instead of running into God’s forgiveness and mercy when I messed up, I swung the opposite direction and ignored Him. I fell farther and farther away and into destructive sin patterns. Almost proving to myself there was no way God could love me. Not after all that I’d done. Surely Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross wasn’t sufficient for me!
Then a miracle happened. God pursued me while I was rebelling. He put people in my path that listened, encouraged, and modeled real faith in a loving God. As I returned to church, I walked straight into Jesus. Instead of getting to know religious rules, I got to know my Savior.
I opened my Bible, and God’s Word reminded me of who Jesus really was. That in Him alone we find not only grace, but “grace upon grace.” Like a double portion. For those of us who have a hard time believing we’re forgiven, these words remind us that Jesus’ love and grace is more than enough to cover every stain, every bad choice, and every sin as we bring them in repentance to Him.
So when we’re tempted to rebel or slip into striving mode, let’s seek to know Jesus more. He will surely lead us in grace and truth.
Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She's part of the Wholly Loved Ministries team, is a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. It’s her joy to lead Bible studies in her neighborhood, church, and community because she believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers. Connect with Andrea more online at www.afruitfulwoman.com.
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Visit WhollyLoved.com for more inspirational messages or to book them for your next women's event
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Originally published Tuesday, 29 August 2023.
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