Amazing Grace – Breath of Life Women's Ministries

by Jenny Harrison

For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Romans 6:14 (NIV84)

I was tuned in to the radio while driving a familiar road to one of my work destinations when I heard the song by Chris Tomlin, Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone).

As Chris sang the chorus,

My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

I began to ponder the deeper meaning of the words:

My chains are gone, I’ve been set free:

Freedom from my shame, guilt, and impossible self-expectations of perfectionism, including the lists of unending “things” I must achieve to gain approval. I am no longer defined or bound by the whims of public opinion or the burdens from the failures of my past.

My God my Savior has ransomed me:

I was imprisoned with a life term and no hope of redemption. My Lord and Savior paid the ultimate price for my release. With no expectation of compensation, he gave everything so I may live a life of spiritual freedom — no questions asked, now and forever.

And like a flood His mercy rains:

He showers me with overwhelming love and forgiveness. He had the power to do just the opposite but my Lord chose not to give me what I deserve — instead he showed compassion.

Unending love, amazing grace:

His love is countless and continual. I have favor in the eyes of my Savior even though my status is unmerited. I cannot earn this gift of grace. My only choice is to deny or accept his generous offering.

Dearest Father God, my prayer to you as we go through our day and especially as we enter the busyness of the holiday season is that we are able to recognize the greatest gift of all…the unending and merciful gift of your amazing grace. Lord, help me pass this gift forward to those I meet by demonstrating patience, respect, and a forgiving heart. In your precious name I pray. Amen.