Grace is not a small or quiet thing in Scripture. In Romans 5, Paul tells us that grace does more than save us – it reorients what we rejoice in.
Because of Christ, we are no longer enemies brought near by our own effort. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Grace is God’s initiative, not our achievement. And because of that, our rejoicing is not rooted in self-confidence, but in His work alone.
Paul uses a word that feels almost startling: to boast.
The Greek word kauchēma (kow-khay-mah) means to glory in, to rejoice over, to take pride in. It’s not the loud, self-centered boasting we often think of but a settled confidence that rests in something sure. Grace gives us something holy to boast in: what Christ has done, not what we have accomplished.
This kind of rejoicing doesn’t ignore suffering or sin. It looks directly at them and still stands firm.
James echoes this posture when he writes, “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). That word joy comes from chara (khar-ah), meaning deep gladness, great joyfulness. It’s not a denial of pain, but a trust that God is present and working within it.
James also warns of a divided heart – a double-mindedness that keeps us unstable (James 1:8). Grace invites us into wholeness. It calls us to live with one steady gaze: not fixed on the chaos of the world, but on the faithfulness of God.
And yes – we live in a world saturated with sin, confusion, and noise. But grace is not weakened by darkness. Paul reminds us that where sin increased, grace increased all the more. Grace does not excuse sin – it overcomes it.
For the believer today, living in grace looks like this:
- Rejoicing without pretending life is easy
- Boasting only in the Lord’s mercy, not our own strength
- Choosing joy that is rooted, not reactive
- Remaining tender-hearted without becoming double-minded
Grace teaches us how to stand – humble, confident, and deeply anchored in a broken world.
This is the quiet beauty of grace: it doesn’t make us loud; it makes us secure.
Lord,
Thank You for grace that met us when we were far off
and continues to meet us each day where we are.
Teach us to rejoice not in ourselves,
but in Your mercy, Your faithfulness, and Your finished work.
In a world filled with noise, temptation, and division,
anchor our hearts in truth.
Help us live with steady joy – not shallow happiness,
but the deep joy that comes from trusting You.
May our lives quietly boast in what You have done,
and may grace shape how we walk, speak, and love.
We rest in You today.
Amen.
The Prayer Porch 