For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14
For years, I’ve had a small Jesus statue, depicting thanksgiving to God for the loaves and fishes. This statue has traveled from Portland, Oregon to Dallas, Texas to our current locale of Minnesota. And, over the years and states, it has, unfortunately been broken at least a couple of times. His small hand, holding a broken loaf of bread, has repeatedly been glued back on.
It’s irritating, yet also meditative, as it got me thinking about the whole grace thing.
As someone in recovery from disordered food and body image issues, I first come across the grace perspective of giving thanks. “Saying grace” is the reminder to us of how good God is; we thank Him for His provision in our lives.
And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, “The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” Exodus 34:6
And, of course, next, concerning the grace factor, is the mind-bending exploration its properties…
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
For those of us recovering from not only eating and image issues, but also the harmful and unrealistic pressure of perfectionism, grace is not an easy thing to come to. After all, many of us have, in one way or another, achieved and earned many accomplishments, including emaciated bodies, good grades, various awards and scholarships.
And, going deeper still, many of us have had experiences and feelings of needing to “earn” love and value. If we’re “good enough,” “pretty enough” or “pleasing enough,” only then, are we worthwhile.
But this is contrary to God’s perspective of us…
“Since you were precious in my sight… I have loved you…” Isaiah 43:4
“I have chosen you and have not cast you away.” Isaiah 41:9
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3
And, concerning grace, God is not expecting our human perfection; He knows we’re not capable of it:
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
That’s why grace is there for us; we need it!
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve broken something in our lives or failed in a spectacular way. Grace is there. It’s beyond our comprehension and often, our feelings. Yet, it is a free gift; there’s no earning of it whatsoever.
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Galatians 2:21
We cannot be anything “enough” to do so. It exists in spite of us.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
And, with that, grace is unbreakable, even when our lives are not. We are encouraged, therefore, to approach and receive that desperately needed grace…
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
As human beings, it’s a certain guarantee we are in need.
But, the good news is that grace is constantly there to help us, not break us further.