Abuse/overemphasis of the grace of God by the Author?

[Porcupineapple15]

I think there was definitely emphasis, but I wouldn’t say overemphasis. Given that grace is the most loving thing we could ever receive from God, I think it’s fair how heavily the author wrote about the value of this. Hope that helps!

Did anyone feel the author may have overemphasized the grace of God to the detriment of a Christian's duty to 'carry their own cross' and 'die to self' as we are commanded to do? Or was it a balanced and spirit-filled/approved view that did not seek to abuse this grace as a few may be accustomed to doing. Thanks

[Porcupineapple15]

This is a beautifully written take on this. I agree with you, and I want to add that, in the case of this novel, the author perfectly balances the value of grace and the value of God’s power and might, and the scales don’t seem to tip in either direction to place one as more necessary or important than the other.

I think of grace as an experience that humble you to the extent that you want to be like Jesus including carrying one's cross. So I don't think grace can be overemphasized because it can't dissuade someone from observing what scripture commands.

[HurricaneBooks]

Grace is a gift, there is no limit to it. That being said grace cannot be taken. When people expect grace or demand it, it is no longer grace, in my mind. The expectation of it takes away its powerful message, because it needs to be received with a humble heart. In a book called Boundaries an interesting point about forgiveness is raised, which I believe is relevant. Forgiveness is something that takes one person, because it occurs in your heart; reconciliation takes two. So grace can be found in forgiveness, but not stolen in forced reconciliation. God calls us to forgive, that doesn't mean ignoring behaviors, being a doormat, or being a victim. Grace is not enabling. God has boundaries and enforces them, just like parents do, because they love their children.

[Marvin85]

I think all we have to value as humans is the grace of God. It is the grace of God that sustains the universe including our own lives. So, without the grace we cannot see the splendor of God in everyday life. Grace has not been over-emphasized in the book.

[jerick_12]

I don't think it is the author's purpose to overemphasize the grace of GOD. Some people might think that because of the way the author wrote it.

[tafta]

I think carrying your cross is more or less the same as accepting grace. We cannot all be Jesus, suffering and struggling once more for what God has put in place already. I think Jesus said, " It is finished." The author is spot on in my opinion, remove the pride, accept God's grace

[Patrick Maina1]

No book would be enough to discuss God's grace.

[Christiana+-]

Talking about Grace is a very deep thing which everyone gives there own point based on the level of the knowledge they have. I believe the author did the same.

[David_Kariuki]

I think of grace as an experience that humble you to the extent that you want to be like Jesus including carrying one's cross. So I don't think grace can be overemphasized because it can't dissuade someone from observing what scripture commands.

Quite true. I believe that Christ Himself is an embodiment of Grace and the Bible really puts emphasis that on grace, especially in the book of Romans. The Author did justice to this topic.

[David_Kariuki]

Did anyone feel the author may have overemphasized the grace of God to the detriment of a Christian's duty to 'carry their own cross' and 'die to self' as we are commanded to do? Or was it a balanced and spirit-filled/approved view that did not seek to abuse this grace as a few may be accustomed to doing. Thanks

On the contrary, i believe that we can not overemphasize grace. I feel that grace is most times underrated and not discussed enough. I also believe that Grace is at the root of human transformation, in the sense that when man experiences grace, they are changed from the inside out and it becomes much easier to follow God and His teachings.

[David_Kariuki]

I don't agree that the author overemphasised the grace of God in a believer's life. This is because we all know that without the grace of God, many of us would have been lost. So the author was trying to show us how God's favour is upon us.

I agree, just the simple thought of the extent that God went just to save humanity despite our glaring shortcomings is very humbling.

[David_Kariuki]

Did anyone feel the author may have overemphasized the grace of God to the detriment of a Christian's duty to 'carry their own cross' and 'die to self' as we are commanded to do? Or was it a balanced and spirit-filled/approved view that did not seek to abuse this grace as a few may be accustomed to doing. Thanks

Remember that the adversary's is always looking for opportunities to make us feel unworthy of going to God. When we feel guilty or condemned we tend to shy away from God's presence and as a result, we are more susceptible to sin again. That's why the Bible says ' there is therefore now no condemnation, for we are no longer under law, but under GRACE'. God just wants us to know that we are loved,even we fall sometimes, we can always go back to Him.
So I believe that grace should be even more discussed.

[David_Kariuki]

I think grace is something that could never be too much

Good sentiments,I would say that we actually need more of it.

[Chikom]

I like the fact that the book rotates around the same topic. Grace is immensely in our day to day life and hence i do applaud the author on this amazing work. Am very sure the heart of people this book has touched is many.

[Magnify3]

Grace is undeserved mercy. It is a gift. Without it we can not be saved. I think we learn through the testimonies in the book that it was God's grace that saved each one and because of it those that received it were able yo share it with others.