What Is Grace?
We often use the word grace without fully grasping what it means—or why it matters. For me, this was especially true when I began recovering from an eating disorder. I had spent years living in a world of black-and-white thinking. My eating-disordered brain calculated everything down to the finest detail. I believed I had to earn love and acceptance, to prove I was worthy through effort, perfection, and control. It was a life dictated by numbers, with very little space for grace.
But God’s grace—changes everything.
Grace Comes from God
Grace is a word rightly attributed to God. He is the source and supreme giver of grace. It is His undeserved kindness, mercy, forgiveness, and love—freely offered to anyone willing to receive it.
Grace isn’t something we earn. It isn’t a reward for good behavior or a prize for those who try hard enough. It is a gift, pure and simple, available to anyone who not only believes in God but believes God—trusting that He has the power and desire to save us from the penalty we deserve.
The most foundational truth about grace is this:
It is undeserved. Always.
Grace Is a Gift
When you receive a paycheck, you don’t thank your boss like they’ve done you a huge favor. Why? Because you earned it. You put in the hours, fulfilled the agreement, and were compensated accordingly.
But a gift is different.
When someone gives you a birthday present, you don’t say, “Perfect! I earned this.” If you did, it would stop being a gift. A gift is something unearned—perhaps even undeserved—offered out of the giver’s joy and love. It’s their pleasure to bless you.
That’s how God gives.
Everything God Gives Us Is a Gift
At the end of the day, God owes us nothing. We have done—and can do—nothing to earn His favor. Our very existence is a gift from Him. Yet how easily we forget that every breath, every opportunity, every simple joy is a gracious gift from the Author of grace Himself.
The strength to get up in the morning — a gift of grace
The ability to walk, talk, breathe, see, hear — gifts of grace
Grocery stores stocked with food — a gift of grace
Mental and emotional capacity — gifts of grace
The capacity to think, feel, choose — gifts of grace
And this is only the beginning. In a world filled with uncertainty, hardship, and confusion, it’s easy to focus on what’s hard and miss the steady rhythm of God’s provision. But His grace is there—in the obvious and the overlooked.
The Greatest Gift
As we approach Easter, my prayer is that we pause to remember Who Jesus is and what He has done. The greatest act of grace in history was Jesus’ willing sacrifice. He gave Himself so we could be free from the power of sin and clothed in His righteousness (Titus 2:13-14).
Friend, no matter your struggle—whether with body image, food, or something else entirely—know this: God is with you. God is for you. Ask Him to open your eyes to the countless ways He is already showing up in your life. He delights in giving good gifts, and His grace never runs out.
“For by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” – 2 Peter 3:18
Reflection: Take a few quiet moments today to reflect on the gifts of grace in your own life.
-Where have you seen God’s kindness show up unexpectedly?
-What are some things you’ve taken for granted that, in truth, are undeserved blessings?
-How might your perspective shift if you started each day looking for grace?
Ask God to help you notice His gifts—big and small—and to grow in your understanding of His love that cannot be earned, only received.
Need help extending that grace to yourself?
If you’re in recovery from an eating disorder or wrestling with harsh thoughts about your body, I’d love to come alongside you. I’m currently offering a free life coaching session for those who want support in learning how to embrace God’s grace in this journey.
This is a safe space—judgment-free, faith-centred, and rooted in hope. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Comment “Grace” or send an email to info@space4grace.ca to book your free session.
Let’s talk. You’re not too far gone. You’re not too broken. There’s more than enough grace for you, too.