"God of... all grace"

“But may the God of all grace who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10 NKJV)

    Grace is an often misunderstood aspect of God, but the context in which we find this term, “God of all grace,” offers us much insight on the subject of grace.

Grace (from the Greek ‘charis’) is defined as kindness, a leaning toward to bless, a favour given although not earned.

    We can never repay God for what He has done for us: giving us life, breath and all things, giving us His Son to die for us so we can have remission of sins and live in hope, granting us the necessities of life (food, water, and clothing). We could never be in a position where God would owe us, we are all reliant on His grace, but we can prove to Him that we desire His blessings, value His wisdom, and appreciate His mercy and grace by diligently searching for Him and finding Him (Acts 17:24-27), by walking just as Jesus walked and loving one another (1 John 2:1-11; 4:7-19), and seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:25-34).    

Look at 1 Peter 5:5-12:

Your part:

• If you are a younger person, you must submit to your elders (obey instruction of those older in the faith, those who hold the office of the elders Hebrews 13:17)
• All of us must be submissive to one another and clothed in humility (not seeking power/control over another, but having lowliness of mind knowing that you make mistakes and are still learning, and so are your brethren, Galatians 6:1-3)
• You must humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God (James 4:7-10)
• You must cast all your care upon Him (Philippians 4:6-7)
• You must be sober and vigilant (serious and watchful, consider 1 Corinthians 16:13, Ephesians 5:15-17, 1 Peter 1:13-16)
• You must resist the devil and remain steadfast in the faith (your brethren suffer in the same way, Ephesians 6:16, 1 Corinthians 15:58)
• You must suffer awhile (James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-9; 4:12-19)

God’s part:

• He will give grace to the humble (James 4:4-7, Proverbs 3:31-35)
• He cares for you (consider Hebrews 4:16, anytime, anywhere)
• He has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus (God calls us by the gospel, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17)
• He will perfect you (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 5:14)
• He will establish you (Romans 5:25-27, 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)
•  He will strengthen you (Ephesians 1:17-19; 6:10-11)
•  He will settle you (Philippians 4:1-13, the assurances of “by this we know”/”we know” statements throughout 1 and 2 John)

“I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the grace of God in which you stand.” (1 Peter 5:12b NKJV)

 God graciously promised these blessings to those who submit to Him and obey His instructions, declaring to Him our desire to be pleasing to Him and right in His sight – will we ever get it all right? No, and that is why we are so thankful for His grace. God will do His part if we do our part to the best of our abilities! Show the God of all grace whose side you desire to be on! Do what He asks of you and wholly appreciate His wonderful gift of grace!!

You can do it! So can I!!