Grace of God: Understanding the FULL Meaning of Grace

This post is all about the Grace of God — the most precious gift of God. For Christian women who struggle with self-image, the word grace is a concept to tightly hold on to — because in moments when you’re overwhelmed by feelings of unworthiness — it’s grace that saves you!

Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I love and trust! Read my full disclosure here.

The grace of God… WOW, this is a biggie. I believe so deeply in the transforming power of grace that I named this blog: Grace Abounds…

When I sit here thinking about what to write, I’m overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit — tears roll down my face and praise comes out of my lips because GOD IS SO GOOD! 

Imagine what today would look like without God’s amazing grace… 

It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? But, sometimes, we walk through life as if we aren’t familiar with the concept of grace. How many times have you talked badly about yourself in the past week?

You know…

The negative thoughts that play (on repeat) in your mind — about how you’re not good enough, pretty enough, skinny enough, talented enough, smart enough…

After years of struggling with body distortion — then experiencing the transformative power of grace in MY life — I’m here to share with you how embracing the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ can transform YOUR life too!

You in? Wanna discover everything there is to know about God’s grace?

Today, you’ll learn all about the grace of God. Starting with the definition of grace and 20 examples of God’s grace in everyday life. Internalizing the grace of God will allow you to be more self-forgiving. It will equip you to TRULY experience the great love of God — so you can love yourself from a place of grace.

 Let’s get started with the ‘basics’ (there’s nothing basic about grace — but you know what I mean 😉)

Stick with me ’til to the end because there’s a little bonus to help get you through your week!

Discovering the Grace of God

What is the definition of grace?

Grace is God’s undeserved favor toward us. It’s a gift that reflects the depth of God’s love.

God’s grace and mercy are sometimes referred to interchangeably — but they mean different things. 

Here’s the definition of mercy…

Mercy is God’s compassion that withholds the punishment we deserve.

So, grace is an undeserved gift of favor, and mercy is compassion in action.

Understanding the Full Meaning of Grace

Here’s the Biblical Definition of Grace…

The Greek word for grace is charis — the unmerited favor of God. The Greek word charis and the theme of grace is infused all throughout the New Testament in a variety of ways. You’ll find most of them in the letters of the apostle Paul. (Resource: GotQuestions.org)

While “God’s favor” pretty much sums up grace,  God’s grace encompasses SO much. It’s complex and nuanced.

Let me break this down for you…

There are different types of graces — I like to call it Triple S.

Grace abounds and it spills over into everything you do — in all situations — at all times.

Saving Grace • The Gift of Salvation

This is the ‘gospel of the grace of God’ — which promises us eternal life through the redemption that came through Christ Jesus.

It’s not a result of ‘good works’…

There’s nothing you can do or say to earn your salvation — not with good deeds or by obeying God’s law. 

God’s love is a gift 🤯

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

Ephesians 2:8 NIV

Sanctifying Grace • Transformation & Purification

Once you believe that Jesus is who He says He is, the changes start from the inside out — the renewing of your heart and mind. And THAT change my dear friend is what aligns you closer to God’s heart. 

All of a sudden, you feel ‘something within you’ that nudges you to live a life for the glory of God. 

And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:10 ESV

Sustaining Grace • Your Constant Support

You’re never alone! 

When you feel overwhelmed, God’s grace steps in — not just to help you get by — but to awaken His great power and strength within you.

Grace is like a quiet confidence from God…

• It infuses your life with peace and joy. 
• It’s KNOWING God is with you — even when you don’t feel it.

But he said to me: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

Grace is all-encompassing — it’s God’s unshakable support and guidance. He’s always by your side — giving you a reassuring hug 🤗

What are examples of God’s grace?

It’s amazing how God’s grace can show up in our everyday lives, isn’t it? Here are some ways you might see His hand at work…

20 Examples of God’s Grace in Everyday Life

Finding Peace in Nature: Ever had those moments when you’re just sitting outside — maybe watching the sunset or listening to birds, and you feel this overwhelming peace wash over you? That’s the God of all grace!

Unexpected Help: Think about that time you were stuck with a flat tire, and ‘out of nowhere’, someone pulled over to help. That right-there help, just when you needed it… That’s a little nudge of the grace of God.

Healing After Loss: Losing someone you love is really tough. But those moments when you feel a bit of comfort or a memory that brings a smile… That’s the peace of God walking you through the mourning.

Strength in Weakness: You know those days when you think you can’t handle one-more-thing, and then, somehow, you do? That strength that seems to ‘come out of nowhere’… That’s the power of God — His grace in action.

---

💖 Explore Related Posts 💖

1. 5 Steps to Improve Negative Body Image with Grace
2. 11 Tips on Overcoming Body Image Issues with Grace
3. 17 Tips on How to Deal with Bad Body Image Days

---

Forgiveness: Ever noticed how you can forgive someone even when you thought it was impossible? That ability to let go and move forward… That’s divine grace at work.

Provision in Need: Ever received ‘unexpected’ financial help when it seemed impossible? Like an unexpected check or a bill that was lower than you thought — those moments of provision… That’s God’s grace.

Words of Encouragement: Remember that time when someone said exactly what you needed to hear right when you needed to hear it? They’re spoken directly from the word of His grace — comforting, precise, and exactly what you need to hear.

Restoration of Relationships: Ever had a relationship that was falling apart and ‘somehow’ it mended? Those tough conversations that lead to healing… That’s grace restoring.

Endurance: When you’re going through a hard time — like dealing with illness or stress — and ‘find the strength’ to keep going… That endurance is grace holding you up.

Joy in Simplicity: Ever laughed so hard with your bestie over any little thing or felt joy from a simple cup of hot chocolate on a cold morning? Those moments of simple joy — that’s the sweet grace of God.

Answered Prayers: Those times when things ‘just work out’ in ways you didn’t expect. And you just know it’s an answered prayer — that’s a clear sign of grace — the promises of God at work in your life.

Insight and Wisdom: Ever had ‘a moment of clarity’ in a tough situation — where the answer just comes to you ‘out of the blue’? That discernment is the grace of God.

---

💖 Super Helpful Resources 💖

30-Day Digital Self-Love Journal

Check out all of the FREE Resources here!

---

Community Support: Those moments when your church family or community steps up just when you need it. With just the right kind of support — prayers, help, encouragement — that’s the grace of God through the body of Christ. 

Overcoming Temptations: When you ‘find the strength’ to say no to something (🍨 🍪 🍰) that used to have a hold on you… That’s grace — the power of Christ.

New Opportunities: When unexpected opportunities ‘pop up’ that fit just right with your skills and passions… That’s grace opening doors for you.

Protection in Danger: Ever had a close call that could have gone much worse? That protection — that’s our merciful God — His hand of grace covering you.

Spiritual Growth: When a scripture or sermon deeply touches you, changing your perspective or strengthening your faith… That’s the grace of God.

Patience: When you find yourself staying calm in a situation that normally would have set you off… That patience is grace helping you to respond with kindness.

Spontaneous Generosity: Ever felt an unexpected impulse to help someone — maybe donate to a cause or help a neighbor? That generosity is grace flowing through you.

A Sense of Purpose: In those times when you’re doubting your path and ‘suddenly feel reassured’ about the direction you’re heading… That’s grace reaffirming your purpose.

Next Steps…

The Role of Grace in Your Life

Think of God’s grace not just as this big, abstract idea — but as the most practical, ready-to-use help in your daily life. It’s there when you need it most, from giving you peace during a hectic morning to helping you forgive yourself after a little slip-up. 

Here’s a super simple way to start seeing this in action…

💝 Love yourself as an act of grace.

Each time you catch your reflection, instead of zeroing in on flaws — why not say something kind — something nice you would say to a friend? 

This little shift in how you treat yourself — when you choose to love yourself — is actually a big step towards walking in grace.

God WANTS you to see and love yourself through His eyes — unconditionally and completely — just as you are.

Remember, every bit of calm, every helping hand, and every small win is the grace of God in motion. Next time something good happens — even something ‘insignificant’ — take a moment to acknowledge it and say — “THAT’S GRACE”. 

---

Here’s your BONUS! 

Some Bible verses and a prayer to help you through your week! Embrace the peace, offer forgiveness, and start seeing yourself through God’s eyes. Trust me, it’s life-transforming! 💖

Grace of God Verses

…and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 3:24 NIV

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 

1 Peter 4:10 NIV

So here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you.

Psalm 55:22 TPT

For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:17-21 ESV

The Grace of God Prayer

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

Heavenly Father, thank you for your boundless grace. I know it’s your gift to me — it’s not something I can earn or deserve.

I come to you just as I am: broken, lost, and deeply in need of your profound grace. 

Abba Father, despite my imperfections, you shower me with lavish mercy and grace. I’m so grateful for that! Today, and every day, I need your strength and guidance.

Lord, please help me live focused on You and for Your glory. Father, thank you for your grace. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

​I hope you understand the endless grace of God a bit better so you can TRULY experience God’s love and, in turn — love yourself from a place of grace 🙌🏼

---

🤗 Sharing is caring! If this post was helpful — would you consider sharing it with a friend who might also be struggling with body image? Simply text her the link. Sharing the hope is what it’s all about!