Discovering Grace

• Romans 11:6 (KJV)

  And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
  (Bible.com)
  
  For many years I was taught that staying on God's good side was based on performance. When I heard we had to fear Him I had no problem with that because I was terrified. It was like walking through a room filled with invisible trick wires hoping not to set one off. My heart was heavy because daily I missed the mark. I knew that I could not measure up in my own strength. I knew the only way not to mess up was to stay asleep in bed so I would not think, or open my mouth. This went on for years.
  
  I guess I finally started understanding what God's grace means when I started attending a different church. I was led there by the Spirit. This Pastor explained the love of God. He told how God loved us as sinners and drew us to Himself by the Holy Spirit despite our shortcomings. I learned that God, Himself, would gives us the power to overcome sin and that He knew I could not do this alone. I realize that because He loved me first, I was free to love him now, not when I was perfect, but as I was being perfected. Hallelujah!!
  
  The lesson in this is to know Him for yourself. He is not a man that He should lie, (Numbers 23:19). When He said He loves you, He meant it.
  
  
  Romans 5:8 

  But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.