How do you explain Grace?

I am getting ready for our MYM youth group tonight and one thing, among others, is explaining Grace . . . in 5 minutes or less . . . to believers and unbelievers, but mostly to those on milk . . . to have it make sense (although Grace doesn't make sense) . . . to have it stick! Deep in the hearts and their bones, to grasp a little of what Grace is . . . it is too much and I am so thankful and He is enough, always. Jesus, You are enough!

In a devotional I just read (via blog), Ann Voskamp says,

"Christianity isn’t about growing good — it’s about growing grace-filled. The grace we’ve received from the heart of God is the grace that extends our arms to the world.

Christianity isn’t about growing good, it’s about growing grace-filled — Christ-like.

This preaching gospel to yourself daily isn’t cliche — it’s critical. Otherwise it’s your very life that’s in critical condition.

When you fail and you bleed fallen and you’re the mess just wild to somehow make it, it’s inhaling the Gospel that heals: Blessed assurance, Jesus assures: You don’t have to pull yourself up by your bootstraps — you only have to pull close.

It’s the gospel in shorthand and pure relief: My hope isn’t built on my performance but on Jesus’ righteousness.

The flesh is always performance driven and everyday I need to become Cross-centered again and no one needs the Gospel only once because all the bad days need the Good News of His grace again and again.

And I love it. I love Jesus and my mama and these boys and I love this good, cosmic-shattering news and I love the way I now get to love and I love a grace that is truth and continually saves and a God whose love won’t let go and I never get over the Gospel: I always need to get more of the Gospel. I touch a boy’s hand, us red-handed sinners. The Gospel isn’t a one time message for the unbeliever but the constant miracle for the imperfect.

Evangelize yourself everyday."

I love it. And, I need it! Evangelize yourself EVERY DAY! Jesus, EVERY DAY, enter in and grow me into the work of perfection YOU ALONE will complete. It is You. Just Jesus. My mantra now and this coming year, Just Jesus. More of You, LORD, less of me. In Your sweet, precious name.

Amen~

p.s. help these MYM youth kids to have hearts to hear and feel Your love . . . to know Your grace.