Real Grace for Real People

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:18

A famous quote by Shakespeare begins with these words, “All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” For many people, life is nothing more than playing out a role. They “act” their way through life, trying to gain the approval and acceptance of others. They are bound by the fear of being exposed for who they really are, and so they perform, playing out a role in order to receive applause and recognition. Sadly, many Christians live this way, trying to impress others by acting out a spiritual role.

The call of Jesus upon our lives brings us into reality, not role playing. In order to live in the reality of Jesus Christ, we must first be real with Him. He wants us to come to Him as we are. He knows everything about us. We do not need to try and impress Him or win Him over with a good performance. We must come to Him in sincerity and truth, in humility and brokenness, and in openness and honesty. When we come to Him in this way, He will not cast us out. He does not meet us with judgment but with mercy; He does not extend condemnation but grace.

He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:6-8

Grace is one of the most freeing things we can ever receive and experience in life. Grace justifies us and brings us His salvation (Titus 2:11, 3:7.) Grace means that God has accepted us and received us into His family as His children, not because of our good performance, but because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. Grace means that God freely gives us what we don’t deserve.

God has not called us to role playing, but to reality living based upon His grace.

A role is earned. Grace is given.
A role is performed. Grace is received.
A role produces effort. Grace produces rest.
A role says “do.” Grace says “be.”
A role is labor. Grace is a flow.
A role depletes. Grace energizes.
A role demands. Grace releases.
A role produces results. Grace produces fruit.
A role brings praise to man. Grace brings praise to God.

Are you in need? There’s no point in “acting” like everything is great, instead, go to God in prayer and receive His grace.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Do you sense your weakness? There’s no need to grit your teeth and bear it with a painted smile, instead receive the strength that God gives you through His grace.

Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1

Are you discouraged? There’s no need to try and “keep your chin up”, instead, draw upon the comfort and wonderful hope that comes to you through His grace.

 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.  2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NLT

Do you want to live a life that is pleasing to Him? There’s no need to strive and try to make things happen, instead, walk in the grace that enables you to glorify Him.

That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:12

Do you feel blue? There’s no need to “whistle a happy tune”, instead, let the grace of God put a new song in your heart.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;…singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16