So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:1 NET
How important is God’s grace in your daily life as a believer? We understand that we have been saved by grace (Eph. 2:8). But it seems we often give little thought to the impact of God’s grace beyond our initial salvation experience. And that is unfortunate.
Charis, the Greek word translated as grace, refers to “the state of kindness and favor toward someone, often with a focus on a benefit given to the object” (NIV Word Study Dictionary). Because of God’s grace (his kindness and favor toward us), he gives us the gift of salvation. But his grace toward us extends into every aspect of our lives. Because of his grace, he equips us for service in the kingdom (Rom. 12:6). And his grace helps us when we are weak (2 Cor. 12:9).
But experiencing God’s grace is not just a passive activity on our part. Paul told Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ. Rather than passively experience grace, Timothy was to be actively growing in grace (2 Pet. 3:18).
And what was true for Timothy is true for each of us today. Seek to grow in God’s grace. Take advantage of the grace that he so freely makes available to us. His grace helps us, not just to survive, but to prosper in our faith and service to our Lord and to experience the fullness of life in Christ. So be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
