as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. – Romans 4:17

Grace is a word that can refer to mealtime prayers, ballerinas, and personalities. But God’s grace isn’t just a descriptive word. It’s an action that holds the power to erase sin and abolish guilt. The Bible defines it as the unmerited or undeserving favor of God. This means, when we deserve punishment, He offers forgiveness, gives love, and extends approval. His grace is sufficient for every moment of every day. All we need to do is ask.

At various times throughout my life, I have lied, stolen, gossiped , and cheated. Each time, guilt came quickly, and I wanted it gone. Instead of looking to God for grace, I compared my mistakes to the mistakes of others. If mine weren’t as bad, I would allow myself some grace, and my guilt would lessen. I was still wounded but able to function.

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

Guilt lies to our hearts. It can cause people to believe they need to earn God’s forgiveness or that their sin is beyond His reach. But, God’s grace is different. We don’t have to tiptoe around, begging for it. God freely offers it to anyone who asks and dares to accept it. He doesn’t weigh how big the sin is or how bad we feel. The gossiper, drunk driver, cheater, and murderer equally receive grace when they ask with a repentant heart.

What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! – Romans 6:15

Grace is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. It doesn’t erase consequences, excuse mistakes, or let us purposefully sin. Instead, it stops us from focusing on what we have done, so we focus on who God is. Pulling us away from our old sin-filled life, it moves us into the new creation God created us to be. Grace does more in a moment than guilt does in a lifetime.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16

Only when we are undone from the way the world works, can we be gripped by the way God works. Grace possesses the power to erase sin and ease pain. Let’s give God’s grace permission to walk all over our guilt. What is holding you back from accepting grace?