In the last half of Romans 5 the word "grace" is used 5 different times. Through Christ God's grace came to free us from the grips of sin and death. In verse 15, "how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, OVERFLOW, to the many!" Verse 17, "God's ABUNDANT PROVISION of grace..." Verse 20-21, "...grace INCREASED more and more...so also grace might REIGN through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
What amazing words--overflow, abundant provision, increased, reign...all these have to do with the grace that God has lavished on us as His children. God's grace is the very presence and love through Christ to each of us. It is imparted to us by the Holy Spirit. The gifts of mercy and forgiveness and the power to be able to walk according to God's will in our lives. It is AMAZING GRACE!
How much more today are we realizing the gift of grace that enables us to STAY AT HOME and to wait out this virus that has attacked so many. There will be a day when we will know that God has cleared the way for us to be together once again--but until then it is God's grace that strengthens us each and every day. Stay strong! Stay faithful! Lean closer into Jesus than you ever have before! This is a wonderful time for all of us to learn in a deeper way to enjoy the Lord, His Word,and the sweetness of prayer--enjoying the Lord's presence right where we are.
Resting in God's Overflow of Grace together,
Pastor Peggy