We didn’t sing this at church on Sunday, but I’ve had reason to think a lot about grace over the past few days, and it brought to mind the words of this hymn, one of my old favorites.

I love the lyrics, because this is what I’ve come to know about God in the last couple of years:

That God is grace…
and grace is love.

Undeserved favor.

The privileges that come with being in a cherished relationship, one in which I’ve never done my share.

Forgiveness when I mess up…. again and again.

Kindness… even when I’ve been mean.

I’ve been shown a lot of grace lately… love that I clearly do not deserve.

I never fully understood that like I do right now, and it humbles me.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Refrain

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Refrain

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

You are God’s grace to me, and I don’t deserve you. You know who you are. 😉