Grace is God’s unmerited favor and love which leads Him to grant salvation to believers through the exercise of their faith in Jesus Christ.  The grace of God is necessary because of man’s inability to save himself.  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).   At some point we all have  received a gift whether it was a birthday gift, a Christmas gift or a wedding gift.  Gifts are free.  There is nothing special that we have to do to receive the gift; just accept it. Perhaps one of the greatest examples of God’s grace was seen in the life of Saul whose name was later changed to Paul after his conversion on the road to Damascus.    Saul was on his way to Damascus to arrest believers when he was blinded by a bright light from heaven.  Jesus Christ said to Paul, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”  It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”  After hearing the voice of the Lord, Paul surrenders his life the Lord (Acts 9:1-9).  After his conversion, Paul began to evangelize and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  What a great gift to be given to someone so undeserving (1 Timothy 1:12-17).  Do we as believers kick against the goads like Paul?  When we resist God’s divine guidance it results in pain in our lives.  God is constantly speaking to us through His word and his people.    God’s desire is not for us to resist him but to receive his blessings (John 1:16).  Let us all grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). May the grace and peace of Jesus Christ our Lord be with you. Written by Deatra Fleming