Give: The Language of Grace
Have you ever paused to marvel at the sheer generosity of God’s heart? It’s a question worth asking. Today’s Day by Day by Grace devotional invites us to reflect on this truth: God’s entire relationship with us is marked by one transformative word: give. His grace—His unearned favor, His empowering presence, His abundant provision—flows freely from a heart that delights not in taking but in giving. Abundantly. Extravagantly.
The apostle Paul captures this beautifully, writing, “I have written more boldly to you on some points…because of the grace given to me by God” (Romans 15:15). Grace is not something we achieve; it’s a gift we receive. It’s the very language of God’s heart, the foundation of how He relates to us.
Grace: The Beginning and Sustainer of Life
When Paul expressed gratitude for the believers in Corinth, he pointed directly to the source of every blessing they had received: “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:4).
Grace is the starting point of everything God accomplishes in us and through us. It begins with salvation:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
But grace doesn’t stop there. It’s not just the door to salvation; it’s the driving force behind every good thing in our lives:
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).
Whether it’s eternal life, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, or the peace and rest we long for, each is a gift of His grace. None of it is earned; all of it is received.
A Life Marked by Receiving
Let’s be honest: we often fall into the trap of striving. We want to do more for God, to achieve, to earn His favor. It’s the natural tendency of our flesh, that old pattern of self-reliance we learned before we knew Christ. The flesh thrives on performance and self-righteousness, but the Christian life is not about what we give to God—it’s about living in the reality of what He has already given to us.
Eternal Life: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish” (John 10:28).
The Holy Spirit: “I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever” (John 14:16).
Spiritual Gifts: “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all” (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Rest and Peace: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you” (Matthew 11:28; John 14:27).
Even our ability to know and grow in Christ is a gift of grace:
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1:17).
From salvation to sanctification, every aspect of our walk with God is a result of His generosity. Our role? To rest in His provision, ceasing from self-effort and allowing Him to work in and through us.
Will God’s Giving Ever Cease?
Here’s the incredible part: God never tires of giving us grace. In fact, Jesus assures us, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
This is not a begrudging obligation. It’s His joy—His delight as a loving Father. God gives because it’s who He is, a God of infinite love, compassion, and grace.
Living in the Language of Grace
What does God’s giving heart mean for us practically? It means we can stop striving and start resting in the truth of His generosity. Our Christian life is not about earning blessings but about receiving them by faith. This realization frees us to live boldly, just as Paul did. Right now, you have every spiritual blessing available to you in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Imagine being surrounded by treasures yet unaware of their presence—it’s time to open your eyes to the riches of His grace.
But grace doesn’t stop with us. Galatians 5 tells us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). Later in the chapter, Paul reveals the purpose of that freedom: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13).
This is the natural outflow of grace. As we freely receive God’s abundant giving, we are called to extend that grace to others—not from obligation, but from love. Whether it’s forgiving someone who has wronged us, offering kindness to someone in need, or sharing the hope of the gospel, we are participating in the very nature of God. We serve because He first served us; we love because He first loved us.
When we reflect God’s giving nature, our lives become a testimony of His grace. Serving others isn’t about checking off a spiritual to-do list—it’s about letting the love of Christ flow through us to touch the lives of those around us. It’s the language of grace in action.
A Prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving
Lord, we praise You for being a God who gives abundantly and generously. Thank You for the grace that saves us, sustains us, and shapes us into the image of Christ. We rest in the truth that You have already equipped us with everything we need for life and godliness through Your Word and Your Spirit.
May our lives reflect Your giving heart as we walk in the grace You have provided. With boldness, we choose to share the grace we’ve received, pointing others to Your infinite goodness. Thank You for delighting in giving us the kingdom. To You be all glory, forever and ever. Amen.