When a parent praises a kid for fridge art, “help” repairing a car, or even a tiny fistful of dandelions, is it because of the kid’s ability or resources to provide a really great gift or service? No, but to the parent, what the kid has given is precious because it is based in love and in the relationship the parent has with the child.
That is grace. And each of us needs it from our heavenly Father (Psalm 86).
I. Romans 8:31-34. The nature of a servant is that we are poor and needy and must trust God to give us what we need. We trust in His nature to be good, forgiving, and abounding in steadfast love. He is the giver of grace as is evident in the title hymn:
Deeper than the ocean and wider than the sea, Is the grace of the Savior for sinners like me; Sent from the Father and it thrills my soul, Just to feel and to know that His blood makes me whole.
II. Romans 8:35-37. God is above all and works for the good of His creation that He loves. This grace should be returned with worship from His creation. We need God to teach us, walk with us, and provide us, who are more than conquerors through Him, with salvation.
Higher than the mountain and brighter than the sun, It was offered at Calv’ry for ev’ry one; Greatest of treasures and it’s mine today, Tho’ my sins were as scarlet, He has washed them away.
III. Romans 8:38-39. Others may seek to harm us, so we need God’s protection. Because of His character, He helps us in His grace so that we are never separated from Him. We display the grace He gives us by bringing Him glory in lives lived for Him.
His grace reaches me, yes, His grace reaches me, And ’twill last thru eternity; Now I’m under His control and I’m happy in my soul, Just to know that His grace reaches me.
All that we can offer our heavenly Father is like a badly scribbled crayon-drawing, the turning of a plastic screwdriver, or dandelions picked from the ditch. Yet, He accepts them gladly out of love and gives us more grace.