2 Corinthians 12:9 English Standard Version (ESV) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

The sufficiency of grace is a mystery to the hurting and needful. Pain and suffering heightens self-interest. At the core of sin is selfishness. Paul had an affliction and prayed for its removal. This verse was the Lord’s answer.

Many of us pray for relief of those things that concern us, real or imagined. In those human conditions is a desire for relief and our first instinct is to find relief in self-effort.

Luke 4:23 English Standard Version (ESV) And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘“Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’”

“He has healed others, why not me?” That is the instinct of self-interest. It refuses to look to grace as a sufficient answer. What grace does above and beyond our suffering is masked by self-interest. Paul accepts the Word of the Lord and changes his attitude. There is more going on in Paul’s life than his particular ailment.

Have you ever noticed Paul’s greeting in his letters? Often times a partner is noted. There is Silvanus, Timothy and Sosthenes of which Timothy may be the best known to us. They were present to help Paul in his affliction, gracious gifts from God, sufficient unto the task at hand. Then there was Apollos.

1 Corinthians 3:6 English Standard Version (ESV) I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.

Apollos was so well known in the early ministries that he had a following, not unlike some present day preachers.

1 Corinthians 4:6 English Standard Version (ESV) I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.

His Word is sufficient.

Ephesians 2:8 English Standard Version (ESV) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

The classic definition of grace is unmerited favor. We did nothing to receive salvation, it was a free will offering by Jesus Christ. If we leave grace defined simply as unmerited favor we might overlook some endearing qualities.

John 1:16 English Standard Version (ESV) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

Grace is not a onetime gift but is cumulative by nature.

Romans 5:20 English Standard Version (ESV) Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,

Grace is expansive, to cover future needs.

1 Corinthians 1:3 English Standard Version (ESV) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace is a blessing that can be bestowed upon others.

1 Corinthians 3:10 English Standard Version (ESV) According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilledmaster builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.

Grace is an active element of change.

2 Corinthians 1:15 English Standard Version (ESV) Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace.

Grace is an experience.

2 Corinthians 8:7 English Standard Version (ESV) But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

Grace is active in all aspects of our lives.

Hebrews 12:15 English Standard Version (ESV) See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;

Grace is a healing balm.

Grace is more than just a favor.