by Pastor Jun Caruz
“Amazing Grace” is one of the most popular hymns ever put into writing. It was written by a former slave trader named John Newton. Shortly before his death he was quoted as proclaiming in a loud voice, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great savior!” What amazing grace!
John Newton was awe-struck and amazed by the demonstration of God’s grace. His heart was filled with thanksgiving as he penned the words: “Amazing Grace-how sweet the sound- that saved a wretch like me!” These are words of gratitude toward the grace of God. He realized that God forgives even a slave trader like him. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:15,”All this is for your benefit so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God!” He was telling the Christians at Corinth that having the knowledge of God’s grace should cause them to respond with thanksgiving. Paul was beaten and persecuted but persisted to preach God’s message so that the recipient will not only come to know the grace of God, but also for thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.
The grace of God should not only cause thanksgiving to overflow, but it should also encourage us. Thessalonians 2:16-17 records,” May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” We should be encouraged when we hear or experience God’s grace. Allowing God’s grace to flow into our lives should make us glad and hopeful. It should cast away our fears and doubts. Furthermore, God is inviting us to his throne of grace so that we can receive mercy in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) Whenever we approach God, he is willing to impart to us his grace. It’s like receiving unlimited supply of grace in our life. 2Corinthians 9:8 tells us, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you so that having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” The verse tells us that the grace of God allows us to have sufficiency in everything we need. If we need healing for our bodies, God’s grace will allow our body to be healed. If we need provision for day to day living, God’s grace is capable of supplying for our needs. If you are losing hope in finding a job, be encouraged by remembering how you have experienced God’s grace in the past. He promised to bless us so that we will lack nothing.
God’s grace is amazing. He chooses to demonstrate us his grace instead of abandoning us. His grace should cause thanksgiving to come out of us. We should be encouraged and delighted upon hearing and experiencing the grace of God. We should never stop approaching God’s throne so that we can continually experience his grace. We are to continually remind ourselves of God’s grace in our life so that we can constantly thank him for what he has done.
