For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 3:23-24

Grace is a gift offered, no one is forced to take it. Grace is held out openly, anyone can grasp it. When we accept the message of Jesus’ redemption and want to have it, it brings with it much more than we have ever imagined. Grace produces the same need the disciples had on the Mount of Transfiguration: “It is good to be here here with these promises, let’s put up shelters and stay here.” The power of the promises of forgiveness and mercy is the fact that they come with us into ordinary life and its valleys. They are true when everything is fine, and they are also true when we go through struggles and the cross is heavy on us. The promises don’t change, Jesus doesn’t change, and His presence doesn’t change. Today He tells us that we are worth His mercy, for Christ Jesus has redeemed us. The word of God is truly full of spirit and life.