Someone has said that grace is giving us what we do not deserve. In other words, God’s favor showers us with far more blessings than we ever deserved. I would argue strongly, sometimes we forget this and look at the works we do to grant us God’s grace. We cannot do enough to earn God’s grace. No amount of work or deeds can ever cause us to receive the amazing grace of God; for we are saved by grace not by works should any of us boast. We are what we are by the grace of God. Paul the humble servant of the Lord was fully aware of that, so he wrote these words in I Corinthians 15:10:

“But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out His special favor on me–and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by His grace.”

Paul indicates that God’s grace toward him was not in vain, because he had been a recipient of this marvelous grace. Paul acknowledges his own dependence on the divine mercy of God. He is clear that this grace is not even possible regardless of the work anyone does. He also indicates he has worked harder in preaching the gospel than any of the other apostles, but even this did not result from his own work. Paul recognized it flowed from God’s unmerited favor. Perhaps, Paul recognizing he of all persons had received God’s grace was willing to work feverishly as an expression of his gratitude and his own conviction. Paul is not boasting, for at one point in his writing he indicates he is the chief of all sinners. When you know grace has been extended to you when you did not deserve it, you have no other course than to worship and praise Him. It is my prayer today that as a result of God’s grace you will always acknowledge how you have been saved and how the favor of God has come into your life by God and God alone.

I Corinthians 15:10 (NLT)