The summer Olympics took place this year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My family spent a bit of time watching online. We saw some gymnastics, a couple volleyball games, and a few rounds of diving. We were especially impressed with synchronized diving. A perfect dive, requiring hours and hours of practice, can be described in many ways, but perhaps the one word the captures it best is “grace”. The definition of grace is “simple elegance or refinement of movement.” It’s the word for an outstanding figure skating performance or even an incredible, leaping, stretching, one-handed reception by an airborne wide receiver.
But there is a more beautiful grace. It’s definition number two: “the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.” Have you experienced that grace?
Paul ends his letter to the Philippians with these words, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Grace is freely given. It came through Jesus Christ. It demonstrates God’s love. It motivates God’s heart. It’s how we are loved by Him, it is how we are saved, but it is also how we grow and learn and experience His presence. Grace is never-ending. It’s why we are forgiven. It’s why we are going to heaven.
Grace is the best word in the English language. This week, at Saturday Night Church, we will be doing a deep dive into God’s grace as we wrap our study of the book of Philippians.