IT WAS COSTLY, BUT "YOU" GOT IT FOR FREE!

FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED; FREELY GIVE

“…What we have RECEIVED is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).

“…FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE...” (Matthew 10:8 KJV).

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 “…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“…What we have RECEIVED is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).

What motivated God to freely GIVE mankind all these spiritual blessings? “…Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…” (Romans 1:3 KJV).

The answer is his DIVINE Love motivated him. “…God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). God “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but delivered him up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). ^“Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

“…Who will separate us from the love of ^[Christ? … [Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB). He has “….loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV).

How did man get separated from God’s love in the first place? “… [Their] … iniquities (sin) …separated [them]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “…Your INIQUITIES have separated between you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

What caused the separation?

“…through one man SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). .  “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV). “…There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “…ALL HAVE SINNED and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).

In spite of man’s sin against him and his separation; God still deeply loved them.  God’s heart was moved by amazing Grace or unmerited favor toward sinful man. “…God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). God …sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…[God]…sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16 KJV).

How did Jesus help? “…He [became]… the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). Jesus also became “…the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “…Christ …died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…he (Jesus) by the grace of God should taste death for every man…” (Hebrews 3:9 KJV).

Jesus died for all our dirty sins by trading his life for yours. “…ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).

Now if you ask God he will forgive you and CLEAN you from all your sins. “…If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9 KJV).“…Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies BLOT OUT “MY” TRANSGRESSIONS (sin). WASH ME THROUGHLY FROM “MINE” INIQUITY (sin), and CLEANSE ME FROM “MY SIN.” For I acknowledge my TRANSGRESSIONS (sins): and “MY SIN” is ever before me. AGAINST THEE (God), THEE ONLY, HAVE “I SINNED” AND DONE THIS EVIL IN THY SIGHT…” (Psalms 51:1-4 KJV). “Create in me a clean heart, O God…” (Psalms 51:10-19 KJV).  “…For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV). His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV).

God allowed Jesus to die while we were ALL still filthy, unworthy sinners. “…sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). How does God’s Grace in Jesus find us? "It is written in the prophets, 'AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD.' Every one that hath HEARD and hath LEARNED of the Father, cometh to me…” (John 6:45 KJV). “..If I (Jesus, the WORD) be lifted up from the earth, WILL DRAW all men unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV).

What happens after people HEAR and LEARN of the Word of God? They can “…RECEIVE with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to SAVE [their]… souls…” (James 1:21 KJV). “..Being justified freely by his grace…” (Romans 3:24 KJV). “…we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand...” (Romans 5:2 KJV). “…being justified by his grace…” (Titus 3:7 KJV). “…To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

How does receiving the Word of God SAVE me or justify me, or make me accepted? “..The WORD OF GOD is “…the POWER of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

During the “the power of God unto salvation” God is at work (Romans 1:16 KJV). “…God ...[sends]… forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD) “INTO” [y]OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). Thus, “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). Along with hearing the Word and receiving God’s Spirit “…FAITH [also]… COMETH BY HEARING …THE WORD OF GOD…” (Roman 10:17 KJV).

“…We have obtained our introduction by faith into this GRACE in which we stand…” (Romans 5:2 NASB). “…a right relationship with God …comes by faith…” (Romans 4:13 NASB). “… [God] … [makes] …us ACCEPTED in the beloved (Jesus Christ)…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

Did you do anything to earn, deserve, or be worthy of God’s grace through Jesus? “…Christ …[died]… for us while we were “STILL” sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…the GRACE of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men…” (Titus 2:11 KJV).

Is this salvation FREE? “…the FREE gift…” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “….the [FREE]… gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…BY GRACE have ye been saved …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…Since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s GRACE would not be what it really is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).

What is this GRACE? God’s GRACE in a nutshell is his UNMERITED favor toward mankind. “…For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we DESERVED it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his GRACE through Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). “…A few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s GRACE—his UNDESERVED kindness in choosing them…” (Romans 11:4 NLT).

UNMERITED favor means ABSOLUTELY nothing was done, ON YOUR PART, to DESERVE it, but it was FREELY GIVEN to you and emanates from God’s divine, loving, KIND nature. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…… [God’s]…love is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…the fruit of the Spirit is… gentleness (kindness)…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

Grace may be one of the hardest concepts to embrace, especially in the western culture. Growing up in the U. S. you are taught nothing in life is FREE and you have to EARN, DESERVE, and be WORTHY of everything; including love. “…Since [salvation]… is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).

In many cases, earning, deserving, and being worthy becomes a lifelong effort to be some idea of perfection to keep the favor of those whose love and acceptance you covet.

If you don’t maintain that idea of perfection or keep the favor and acceptance of your coveted people usually there is NO Grace waiting for you on the other side.

I have been there. I have been the person with the endless task of trying to be somebody's idea of perfection in order to sustain the favor and acceptance of those I deemed important to me. “…ye are not under the law (or the law of people either), but under GRACE…” (Romans 6:14 KJV).

So I may wonder if I can’t sustain, or earn, or deserve, or be worthy of a finite human’s continual favor, what chance do I have with a Holy God. Certainly, I am not good enough.

However, God’s GRACE empowered me to STOP that kind of thinking and behaving. “…God’s GRACE has set US FREE from the law (and of people too)...” (Romans 6:15 NLT). “…where sin abounded, GRACE did much more abound…” (Romans 5:20 KJV).  “…He is “SO” RICH in kindness and GRACE that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “….The exceeding RICHES of his GRACE in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 2:7 KJV).

I thought I was a person who walked in Godly grace. I also thought if I showed grace to others, when my turn came, they would show grace to me. "…In everything, therefore, TREAT people the same way you want them to TREAT you, for this is the Law and the Prophets…” (Matthew 7:12 NASB).

Well my turn came and I made a big mistake in the eyes of someone I loved deeply. There was NO grace. They blatantly treated me according to the wrongs they felt I had done to them. “…As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold GRACE of God…” (1 Peter 4:10 KJV).

I couldn’t make it right with that person. We couldn’t make it right with God either without his GRACE. “…For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “…God is able to make all GRACE abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “…where sin abounded, GRACE did much more abound…” (Romans 5:20 KJV).  “…My GRACE is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “..Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).

I remember asking this person the question: “Where is my grace?” I asked that question because I knew I have shown grace to them many, many times.

I would have bet my life that if anyone would show me grace it would have been this particular person. True, enduring, lasting GRACE, however, is found in abundance ONLY in Jesus Christ. “…much more the GRACE of God, and the gift by GRACE, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath ABOUNDED unto many…” (Romans 5:15 KJV).  “…They which receive abundance of GRACE … shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).

This person GAVE me no GRACE; no RECIPROCITY.  It’s even slightly painful to write about it. However, the word encourages me to “…be strong in the GRACE that is in Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 2:1 KJV). Keep “…singing with GRACE in your hearts to the Lord…” (Colossians 3:16 KJV).  And “…Let your speech [continue to]… be always with GRACE…” (Colossian 4:6 KJV).

Don’t try to get revenge or return one wrong for another, or be prideful, or defend yourself.  “…He (God)… giveth more GRACE. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth GRACE unto the humble…” (James 4:6 KJV). “…God resisteth the proud, and giveth GRACE to the humble…” (1 Peter 5:5 KJV).

This is one of the main reasons I appreciate the GRACE of God so much. GRACE is NOT a first response for most humans, but it is always a first response GIVEN by God. “..Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “..The grace GIVEN unto me…” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “…according to the grace that is GIVEN to us…” (Romans 12:6 KJV). “…Because of the grace that is GIVEN to me of God…” (Romans 15:15 KJV). “…According to the grace of God which is GIVEN unto me…” (1 Corinthians 3:10 KJV). “…I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is GIVEN you by Jesus Christ..” (1 Corinthians 1:4 KJV). “…Every one of us is GIVEN GRACE according to the measure of the gift of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:7 KJV). This is where I SHOUT!

“…FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE...” (Matthew 10:8 KJV).

Where was my GRACE? Apostle Paul says God’s GRACE it’s always WITH me and you. “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOU. Amen…” (Romans 16:20 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOU ALL . Amen…” (Romans 16:24 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOU…” (1 Corinthians 16:23 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOU. Amen…” (1 Thessalonians 1:2 KJV). “…The GRACE of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, BE WITH YOU ALL. Amen…” (2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOUR SPIRIT. Amen…” (Galatians 6:18 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOU ALL. Amen…” (Philippians 4:23 KJV). “…GRACE be with you. Amen…” (Colossians 4:18 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOU. Amen…” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ BE WITH YOU ALL. Amen…” (2 Thessalonians 3:18 KJV). “…GRACE be with thee. Amen…” (1 Timothy 6:21 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen…” (Philemon 1:25 KJV). “…GRACE be with you all. Amen…” (Titus 3:15 KJV). “…GRACE be with you all. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:25 KJV). “…The GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen…” (Revelation 22:21 KJV). 

BECAUSE GOD is WITH me I am what I am. “…By the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 KJV).

Therefore, “…GRACE  unto you, and [may it continue to]… be multiplied…” (1 Peter 1:2 KJV). “…FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE...” (Matthew 10:8 KJV).

WE LOVE, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “…We give [God]..only what [he]…first gave us! …” (1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT). There is NO donation greater than GIVING another person God’s GRACE.

Give out of your abundance. Money is NOT all you have to GIVE. “…Give, and it will be given to you. They will  pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return…” (Luke 6:38 KJV). “…FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE...” (Matthew 10:8 KJV).

Think BIGGER than material possessions. “…Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings…” (Romans 1:3 KJV). “…ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).

 “…We give [God]..only what [he]…first gave us! …” (1 Chronicles 29:14 NLT).

If ALL you think God GIVES or has GIVEN is material possessions and ALL you have to give or donate comes out of your material wealth; you are thinking WAY TOO small!! “… [God]… HATH blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings…” (Romans 1:3 KJV). “… through his poverty [you]…might be RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).

“…Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have…!” (Acts 3:6-10 NLT).  Therefore, as I close, I donate or GIVE to you the AWARENESS and REVELATION of the BLESSING of his GRACE upon your life, today, continually and multiplied!!!

 “…GRACE be unto you, and peace, FROM God our Father, and FROM the Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Corinthians 1:3 KJV). “…GRACE to you and peace FROM God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 1:7 KJV). “…GRACE be to you …FROM God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ…” (2 Corinthians 1:2 KJV). “…Grace be to you …FROM God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 1:3 KJV). “…GRACE be to you, …FROM God our Father, and FROM the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Ephesians 1:2 KJV). “…GRACE be unto you …FROM God our Father, and FROM the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:2 KJV). “…To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: GRACE be unto you …FROM God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Colossians 1:2 KJV). “…GRACE unto you …FROM God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…” (2 Thessalonians 2:2 KJV). “…GRACE, mercy, and peace, FROM God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord…” (1 Timothy 1:2 KJV). “…GRACE, mercy, and peace, FROM God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord…” (2 Timothy 2:2 KJV). “…GRACE, mercy, and peace, FROM God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour…” (Titus 1:4 KJV). “…GRACE to you, and peace, FROM God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ….” (Philemon 1:3 KJV). “…GRACE and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord…” (2 Peter 1:2 KJV). “…GRACE be with you, mercy, and peace, FROM God the Father, and FROM the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love…” (2 John 1:3 KJV). “…John to the seven churches which are in Asia: GRACE be unto you, and peace, FROM him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from …” (Revelation 1:4 KJV).

“…FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE...” (Matthew 10:8 KJV).

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