– Being forgiven and loved even when I mess up and deserve punishment –
Because I have disobeyed God I deserve punishment. But God loved me so much that He decided to take that punishment instead of me. That is why He chose to go to the cross. That is grace. I didn’t earn a place as His child. I don’t deserve His everlasting love. I don’t deserve the confidence of eternal life in heaven with God. But God loved me enough to give me a free gift of His forgiveness and a place in His family.
This incredible grace is a great reminder that I am not better than anyone else – the only reason that I am a child of God is because of God’s love – not my goodness. God’s grace reminds us that we are not better than others and we should also treat others with great kindness and love.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.“ – Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB)
Questions
- Have you felt God’s grace in your life?
- Have you ever sinned? Have you ever disobeyed God?
- What do you deserve for your sins?
- What free gift does God offer you?
- Have you accepted God’s forgiveness in your life?
- What does God’s grace mean for you?
- Is it hard for you to forgive others? What does God say about forgiving others?
- How can you extend grace to people that offend or hurt you?
More Discussion Ideas
Alternate Descriptions
- Being forgiven for all our sins even though we don’t deserve it
- Getting good things even when I don’t deserve it
- Getting forgiveness and love from God instead of punishment for my sins
- Receiving love and forgiveness even though I deserve punishment for my sins
Activites
Multimedia Resources
Parent Resources
Access to Grace through Humility and Faith – Devotional by Pastor Bob Hoekstra