What is Grace?

2 Cor 8:1, 6-7, 9, 19 NKJV

1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:

6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us — see that you abound in this grace also.

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

19 and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind...

2 Corinthians 9:8 AMP And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].

Chapters eight and nine from Paul’s letter to the Corinthian Church specifically deal with the giving of financial offerings to the saints in Jerusalem. The saints in Macedonia had already given to this endeavor, and Paul was challenging the Corinthians to do the same. In his exhortation to them he says, “… see that ye abound in this grace also” (2 Corinthians 8:7). Paul notates several graces like faith, speech, knowledge, diligence, love and as well financial “graces.”

What is Grace?

So what is grace? Traditionally, we define grace as “unmerited favor.” Literally, grace is an empowerment or an enablement to fulfill the plan of God. Upon dealing with the “thorn in the flesh,” Paul prayed and heard these words from Jesus. They give great insight into grace.

2 Cor 12:7-10 NKJV And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

This “strength” that is made perfect in weakness is translated from the Greek word “dunamis.” We derive our English word “dynamite” from “dunamis,” and it literally means “power.” It’s the same word translated as power throughout Scripture in reference to delivering demoniacs, healing bodies, the ability of God’s Word and so on. It gives the image of God’s absolute ability. Jesus said that “grace” is the ability or power of God!

When God extends His saving grace to us, it’s God’s power to save us (since we do not have the power to save ourselves). Grace is the power! Even our ministry offices are called “graces.” No matter how smart a person is, his/her natural abilities will always fall short when helping hurting people. It takes the power of God to truly minister to the needs of humanity, and He enables us to do so by His grace!