The Grace of God Made Visible: A Transforming Work
God’s grace is a miraculous, transformative work that begins deep within the heart. Yet, as a recent devotional from Day by Day by Grace reminds us, the work of grace is not confined to the unseen. It manifests outwardly in ways that others can witness. This observable nature of grace was clearly evident in the early church, as described in Acts 11:21-23:
"The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord… When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad."
Barnabas, sent to witness what was happening in Antioch, didn’t need an explanation to confirm God’s activity. The grace of God was visible in the transformed lives and spiritual fruit of the people. His response? Joy.
Grace Begins in the Heart
The grace of God takes root in the human heart, where it establishes, strengthens, and transforms. As Hebrews reminds us:
"It is good that the heart be established by grace" (Hebrews 13:9).
This inward work of God’s grace enables faith to flourish and love to abound. It empowers believers to live beyond their natural abilities, reflecting Christ in ways that can only be attributed to the power of God. Paul captures this purpose in Ephesians 1: to reflect “the glory of His grace” (Ephesians 1:6).
As believers, we are not the source of this glory; we are mirrors designed to display the radiance of His grace. Our lives are meant to be testimonies of His goodness, mercy, and transformative power, pointing others to Him rather than ourselves.
Yet grace does not remain hidden. Wherever it is at work, it leaves tangible evidence—changed lives, growing faith, and spiritual fruit. Through these, God’s grace becomes visible, inviting others to marvel not at us, but at the One who is the source of all grace.
The Grace of God in Antioch
The visible work of grace in Antioch began under difficult circumstances. After Stephen’s martyrdom, persecution scattered believers far and wide:
"Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only" (Acts 11:19).
Amid the challenges, God’s hand was at work. Some believers began sharing the gospel with Gentiles as well:
"But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who… spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus" (Acts 11:20).
The result was remarkable:
"The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord" (Acts 11:21).
When Barnabas arrived, the evidence of God’s grace was undeniable. Souls were being saved, and believers were growing in faith and godliness. The invisible work of grace in their hearts had become visible in their lives, and Barnabas “was glad”.
Grace Brings Spiritual Fruit
This pattern of inward grace producing outward fruit was also evident in the church at Colosse. Paul writes of the gospel’s transforming power:
"The truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth" (Colossians 1:5-6).
When grace is at work, it bears fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This fruit is the unmistakable evidence of a life transformed by God. It brings glory to Him and draws others to His saving grace.
What Does the Grace of God Look Like Today?
The grace of God is as active and observable today as it was in Antioch and Colosse. It can be seen in:
Changed Lives: Grace transforms hearts and redirects lives toward God’s purposes. Addictions are broken, relationships are restored, and forgiveness flows where bitterness once ruled.
Spiritual Growth: Believers mature in their faith, growing in godliness and reflecting Christ in their character and actions.
Community Impact: Grace compels believers to serve others, care for the vulnerable, and spread the gospel. Entire communities are blessed when God’s people live out His love.
Responding to the Grace We See
Like Barnabas, we should rejoice when we see the grace of God at work. Whether in our own lives or the lives of others, the evidence of His grace is a reason for gladness and praise. It reminds us that God is faithful, powerful, and always at work to redeem and transform.
As recipients of grace, we are also called to be conduits of grace. By living in humble dependence on God and walking in step with His Spirit, we can extend His grace to those around us, pointing them to the One who transforms lives.
A Prayer of Gratitude for Grace
Father, thank You for the visible work of Your grace in our lives and in the world around us. You take what is broken and make it whole, transforming hearts and bearing fruit that reflects Your love and power. May we live as faithful witnesses to Your grace, rejoicing in the evidence of Your hand at work. May our lives be a testimony to Your goodness, drawing others to know and trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.