Tapping into His grace (parts of an MSN conversation)

Many pp mistake mercy for grace.

Mercy is needed when we fall. God does not give us what we deserve - punishment, death, bad consequences so mercy is when we don't get what we deserve. Jesus gave His life so that God's mercy reaches us.

Grace is when we get what we don't deserve - blessings, health, love, etc.

We don't earn either.

2 Cor 12:9-10 (AMP)
9But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!
10So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).

When we want to stand strong and have victorious in our lives, we are able to. It is made easy for us to do it cos of God's grace through the Lord Jesus. We tap on his grace to live out the truths and be more than conquerors.

Serving grace is the ability of God given to us in our lives to minister to others

1 Peter 4:10-11 (AMP)

10As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God's many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor].
11Whoever speaks, [let him do it as one who utters] oracles of God; whoever renders service, [let him do it] as with the strength which God furnishes abundantly, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever (through endless ages). Amen (so be it).

The secret is having a vital relationship with Him, communing with Him. Then you serve out of that LIFE in Him. That's how we tap into His grace.