From time to time, we receive questions from individuals reading our website. This question came from someone in Cameroun. I tried to send you an email, but it bounced....so here you go. ;-)

Greetings to my friend in Cameroun!

Thank you for writing, and asking such a profound question. You asked, "What is the grace of God?" I'll try to respond as best as I can. This comes from some reading and studying I have done on this topic. ALL God gives is of grace. We cannot earn what God gives us; we cannot deserve it; what God gives us is given out of the goodness of his heart; what God gives is not pay, but a gift; not a reward, but a grace. Max Lucado, author and pastor writes in his Inspiration Study Bible narrative: "What is the grace of God? The grace of God says you serve God because you're saved, not in order to be saved. You love people because you're saved, and not in order to be saved. You're not trying to keep a legalistic system, you're responding to a system of love and peace. What is grace? It's what someone gives us out of the goodness of his heart, not out of the perfection of ours. The story of grace is the good news that says that when we come, he gives.

That's what grace is.

Grace is a pleasant surprise. Grace is a kind gesture. Grace is something you did not expect. It is something you certainly could never earn. But grace is something you'd never turn down.

You know what happens when someone sees the grace of God? When someone really tastes the forgiving and liberating grace of God? Someone who tastes God's grace is the hardest worker, the most morally pure individual, and the person most willing to forgive.

Always remember that Jesus says, "My grace is deeper than your sins."

Prayer: Father, how holy and great is your promise. You've been so good to us, but somehow, Father, we find things about which to complain even though we've been given life eternal. Renew our vision; help us to see heaven. Help us to be busy about the right business - the business of serving you. Amen!

Peace and Grace to you!

Cindy