(Romans 5: 12 – 21, 2 Corinthians 9: 8)
We all have the grace of God working for us, yet it is safe to say that some Christians are functioning in higher levels of grace than others. Grace is more than ‘unmerited favor’. Grace refers to a divine influence on our inward man (spirit man), manifested outwardly for all to see. God deposits or impresses His divine influence in us through His word and by the Holy Spirit.
When the divine influence is at work in our lives, it produces the following:
Acceptability: Something about an individual that attracts them to others. It has nothing to do with the physical appearance. Acceptability means everyone wants you because there is something special/divine about you. Grace working in us produces this effect; whatever you are doing it singles you out. It singles you out at your job, church, neighborhood, etc. Acceptability is important in our lives, we have to ask God for increase in grace to enjoy it in life.
Advantage: Sometimes grace makes you or even others wonder if things are happening to you by luck or chance. You must be conscious of grace in your life, recognize grace because it makes you put in less effort and receive great benefits in return. Others may work harder than you and not get the rewards. Grace does not bring struggle to us, it makes our lives easy and beautiful. It places us in the position of advantage.
Favor: Good is turned towards you. God has chosen us for favor, He wants to prove to the world that He loves us, and causing men to favor us as well. He wants the world to know He is our Father. Even Jesus found favor before God and man (Luke 2: 52). We need increased grace for increased favor.
Joy: Grace brings Joy into our lives that is indescribable, unspeakable and full of God’s glory. Joy that is not dependent on circumstances. Grace causes us to rejoice no matter what we see, hear or how we feel.
Liberality: God loves a cheerful giver and will make all grace abound to him (2 Cor 9: 6-8). It takes the grace of God to give, and when we give freely to God and men he gives us the capacity to receive.
Pleasure: This is a kind feeling towards God’s creation. Grace is needed to find pleasure even in our responsibilities in the house of God. If God’s work excites us, we can extend that feeling to our careers, academics etc. (Job 36:11). Gifts: The grace of God, His divine influence deposits an ability in us to do what others cannot do. It could be singing, teaching, fixing things etc. It is a unique ability to function with that special skill in any area of life. If your gift is outside the church, ensure it is connected to God. Recognize it, receive increase grace for it and God will cause you to be great. Otherwise you will lose it.