We are saved by His grace

Pauline Matanda

APOSTLE PAUL writes: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. — Ephesians 2: 8-9.

This scripture reminds us that grace is not earned through our own efforts. It is freely given by God, qualifying us for salvation despite our unworthiness.

“It is not by might nor by power but by my Spirit,” says the Lord. He says this so that we will not boast.

I have been blessed by Benny Hadassah Muzanamombe’s song “Idzo nyasha hameno zvadzingori so”, and I am reflecting on it.

Honestly, this song has been ministering to my spirit and has inspired my message for this week, as we reflect on the abundant and unexpected grace of our Lord.

Grace, the unmerited favour of God, has the power to qualify the unqualified and perform the unexpected in our lives. Grace is beautifully portrayed throughout the Bible, reminding us of the unfathomable love and mercy of our Creator.

Let us turn to the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15: 11-32.

Despite squandering his inheritance and living a life of sin, the father embraces his wayward son with open arms upon his return. This parable beautifully illustrates how grace does the unexpected.

The son expected punishment and rejection, but, instead, he was welcomed. He was forgiven and shown love. Additionally, a celebration was held in his honour.

In our own lives, we may have felt unqualified, unworthy or undeserving of God’s grace. We sometimes come to a position of disqualifying ourselves based on our backgrounds.

We can even disqualify ourselves based on our age, race or gender.

However, just as the prodigal son experienced, God’s grace is always there and ready to embrace us when we come to Him with contrite hearts.

The prodigal son’s story is a reminder that no matter how far we may have strayed, God’s grace is always available to qualify us and do the unexpected in our lives. We are called to extend this same grace to others.

Just as we have been qualified by God’s grace, we must also seek to qualify and uplift those around us regardless of their past or present circumstances.

Through our actions, may we reflect the unexpected grace of God to a world in need of His love and mercy.

Let us embrace the unexpected grace of God with humble hearts, knowing that it qualifies the unqualified and brings about unexpected transformation in our lives.

Let us live as vessels of this grace, extending it to others with love and compassion.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.