5 - Grace - the desire AND ability

Receiving the grace of God is different from receiving the mercy of God. God is merciful to forgive us when we've messed up... but grace is his divine empowerment so we don't mess up in the first place! His grace is the desire to do things right, AND the ability to do things right. When we choose humility, He gives us His grace. God does want us to put effort in... but we're not on our own, relying on our effort alone. We are empowered by His grace. Amen.

And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” - James 4:6