I have no catchy title or opening line for this article because grace needs no formal introduction. It is in itself something beautiful. It is one of the hardest concepts for some people to grasp but one of the most wonderful realities to behold.

Grace, by definition is “the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.” Most people love to hear the word free, but if you have much experience with it, many times the word deviously hides stipulations and requirements. Grace however has no conditions, only that you fully accept it. You don’t have to earn it or try and understand why it is allotted to you. It is freely given because it was paid for by the blood of Christ.

To be transparent, I too have struggled with receiving this unrelenting grace at times. Questions have entered my mind like what if I have failed too much or gone too far? What if God is tired of me or doesn’t want to show kindness this time? My queries are always drowned in a flood of mercy and love when I remember His promises are just as strong as they have ever been. It doesn’t matter how many times we fail or fall, He is always there to pick us up and lead us in the right direction.

Like a child first learning to walk, we will stumble many times before getting it right. He is not looking for a reason to punish us, nor does He rejoice when we make a mistake. Justin Holcomb said, “Grace is most needed and best understood in the midst of sin, suffering, and brokenness.”

This concept was revealed to me in a new way in my reading recently. The opening of Hebrews 12:15 reads, “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God.…” This truth shined brighter than Times Square at night to my darkened understanding. Receiving grace is biblical as well as wonderful.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8)

I have often found myself buried under condemnation, all the while forgetting that grace shatters guilt. In most cases we do the condemning and speak negatively to ourselves. The Lord doesn’t work the same way our finite and sometimes condescending minds do. It may feel heavy when we slip up and the weight of our sins may cause us to be unrightfully harsh with ourselves but that is because we choose to carry some things past His feet. Do not try to pick up what has already been surrendered.

“Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you…” (Psalm 55:22).

The gentle words of the old song are still sung ever so true, “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I’m found was blind but now I see…’Twas Grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”

No matter where you are or what you have done, you aren’t too far gone. You don’t have to beg and plead or even feel shamefaced or worthless to have God’s unmerited grace. It is yours to have—always. He paid in full so you can have it fully. Obtain that precious gift today. Let it wash over you. It is beautiful. It is cleansing and restoring. Please never forget how much He loves you and wants good things for you because you are His child.

His grace is still amazing and it will always be.

Rachel Thorne was born in Florida and has lived in many places throughout the United States. She is a graduate of Urshan College, formerly known as Gateway College of Evangelism. She wants to make a difference and change her world. Rachel is actively seeking the will of God for her life and is willing to do whatever He has for her.