The more I reflect upon it, the more convinced I am that we can encapsulate the whole essence of the Christian gospel in one single word—grace. What is this “amazing grace”? I have asked many people, and I have yet to meet an unconverted person who understands the concept. Only those who have experienced God’s grace know what it is, and yet many still don’t have words to describe it. Grace is beyond comprehension; it is, I am sure, the greatest thing in all the world.

So, what is grace?

Grace is not justice, because it is above fair. Grace is infinitely higher, more exalted, and more noble than fairness could ever be.

Grace isn’t the same as love. Even though grace has love within it, not all love has grace in it.

Is grace not the same as mercy? Now, we’re getting closer to the target. But grace still goes beyond extending love to someone who does not deserve it.

Grace is totally unmerited favor given to those who deserve disfavor. Grace is receiving everything good when we deserve everything bad.

We will never appreciate grace until we see our need for it … when we see ourselves as rebels against God, as breakers of His laws, as capable of all manner of evil … when we know that our hearts hold depravity … when we see ourselves as sinners in the deepest, darkest parts of our being. Then we will begin to appreciate the meaning of grace.

When the God of all grace freely and willingly forgives and accepts us on the basis of what Jesus Christ has done, then we experience grace. And after experiencing it, we want to share it freely with others. If you were a beggar and found an endless supply of bread, wouldn’t you share it with your fellow beggars? That picture gives us just a small glimpse of what it’s like when we share God’s amazing grace with others.

Can you share God’s grace with someone today?