Sublime

But in both cases ?grace? means we are to be, and are enabled to be, active to a degree we have never been before. Paul?s picture of grace is ?And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed? (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Joy, for Augustine, is characterized by a quietude that is the opposite of anxiety—the exhale of someone who has been holding her breath out of fear or worry or insecurity. It is the blissful rest of someone who realizes she no longer has to perform; she is loved. We find joy in the grace of God precisely because he is the one we don’t have to

Jesus makes people feel comfortable even when He catches them without their makeup. When circumstances scrub off the layers of their self-confidence, and their shortcomings wash away the foundation of their self-righteousness, Jesus isn’t appalled by the blemishes He finds underneath. There’s no sin too bad, no doubt too big, no question too hard,

Grace is not based on our efforts or accomplishments; it comes to us freely. It is an unmerited resource that grants us more wisdom and courage than we have in our ordinary ego toolbox. Grace can be seen as an energy that helps us fulfill ourselves.

ALIVE IN YOUR GRACE (PRAYERS OF PRAISE) Looking to the sky, we praise your name ∙ Jesus, your name is sweet ∙ Teach us in the school of praise ∙ To the God who is beyond comprehending ∙ Your name is great ∙ Joining in the concert of praise ∙ I pass all things to you ∙ No sweeter name ∙ Let our hearts pursue you, Lord Christ ∙ Light up my life, Lord