Overflowing Grace

What an amazing statement the apostle John gave about Christ’s incarnation. Through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, John allowed us to peek into the multi-faceted nature and work of Christ. He pointed out that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of grace and truth, using the word “fullness” to describe how great this grace is. Grace, in this context, means God’s favor and disposition to bless us. Jesus is the full picture of God’s grace, which was extended towards us.

What this means to us is that in Christ, God’s grace is always overflowing, waiting for us to grab hold of it. In fact, Jesus’ fullness means that God’s grace can never run out. Every day, from the riches of God’s grace, we receive grace upon grace upon grace—and this just keeps going. We have a daily supply of His love, mercy, and grace in Christ.

Paul also contrasted the law that was given through Moses with the grace and truth we have in Christ. While we may not like the law because we know we cannot fully obey it and will have to pay the penalty it requires, law and grace are not actually contradictory. They are not opposing principles; they supplement one another. What the law demands, grace and truth in Christ supply. When Jesus Christ appeared, He declared that He did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it. What we could not do by following the law, He accomplished for us with grace and truth. 

Today, you may be in need of God’s favor because of the challenges you’re facing. You can draw from the eternal source of grace, Jesus. If you are overwhelmed with the demands of life, He will supply you with grace to live beyond your circumstances. In Him, you can find grace and mercy in your time of need.

Application

1. Are you living by the law or by God’s grace? Instead of trying to earn grace by doing good works, how can you rely completely on His grace? By faith, are you convinced that the fullness of God’s grace will never run out?
2. When we feel exhausted or empty, God’s grace fills our every need and satisfies us. How can you extend His grace to those around you today? 
3. What are some of life’s demands that make you feel empty, weary, and discouraged? How has God given you grace upon grace for each challenge? Read John 1:14–18 again and write your personal faith declaration based on this passage.

Prayer

Father, I am grateful for the sacrifice that Jesus made—that He became flesh and dwelt among us. Through His life, we were able to witness Your glory, full of grace and truth. Despite the overwhelming challenges and demands of life, I am sure that You will supply love, mercy, and grace upon grace every day. And with that, my soul is satisfied. As I read Your word, may You continue to make Yourself known to me. In Jesus’ name, amen.