John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Some years ago a teacher looked at me in church and asked, “And what is grace?” He was looking for the textbook answer, unmerited favor. I was and probably always will be one who gives my understanding heart the opportunity to speak. I answered “The manifestation of God’s great love to me in this life.”

Look at John 1:14 again. We beheld His glory. Glory is the essence of who God is, manifested in the person of Jesus Christ. Full of grace and truth are glory essentials and should not be dismissed with quick answers. The issues of grace and truth are inexhaustible in form, context and effect. They deserve more respect than “Thanks for the favor.”

I don’t want to be the guy that is always looking for a favor. I do not want to reduce grace to a sound bite. Grace is very meaningful, very powerful, and life changing. Grace deserves respect. Grace is the essence of who God is in Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:3-7 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Like Paul here in the opening verses of Romans, we have received grace and a position. He was an apostle, our positions vary, but they all come with grace and responsibility. Obedience of faith is our responsibility in position. Paul extends grace and peace to the Romans by the authority of his position in Christ. Paul received grace and Paul extended grace.

It is so easy to overlook in these greeting, but he does it over and over again. Our example to understand the issues and powers of grace are in this very greeting. Grace received is grace extended.

1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Romans 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

Luke 6:26 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Ephesians 2:3-5 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Mercy is the end result, the action, but it is grace that is the motivating force.