A short while ago, days before I sat for an exam, I prepared a list of what stationery items I would need. I had them all listed – at least all the stationery items I could think of that seemed relevant for an open book Accounting paper. Ball point pens, ruler, highlighters, you name them.

The day finally arrived and as I made my way to my allocated seat I noticed a few other candidates unpacking their bags when it struck me! I had forgotten my calculator at home! How could I forget a calculator of all things?

Time was running out and I knew I had to act fast. I needed a calculator and there were no two ways about it. I remembered the words of an Invigilator I had come across before in high school as she strictly announced that she and her team would not be providing any stationery and that we needed to ensure we had all we needed before we walked into the hall. Was there hope for me?

Long story short; of course I would have needed a calculator and yes I found one just in time thanks to my Invigilators. It was all an act of grace. Grace – favour that I do not deserve (my definition).

Although I don’t think I will ever get to a stage where I can FULLY comprehend God’s love, this experience, though very simple, is one of many that helps me understand a little bit about His forgiveness, love and mercy. The Invigilators could have chosen not to help me and they would have been justified in doing so but they helped me anyway.

Perhaps you can remember an act of grace that was rendered to you in some way, shape or form. Perhaps it was an assignment that you handed in late and you walked away with just a warning, perhaps you wronged someone and they decided to forgive you. Whatever they might be, I hope these experiences will serve to reveal more of God’s love, mercy and kindness towards you.

Romans 5:8 reads, “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Notice the verse says – while we were sinners, Christ died for us. This means that Christ took on this amazing act of love even when we did not deserve it.

Do you ever feel like you do not deserve God’s love? The truth is we all don’t, BUT the greatest news of all is that although we do not deserve it, God loves us anyway which is why He gave us His son.

So, are you looking for a second chance today and wondering if God will grant you one? The good news is God is extremely good at giving those and He loves us more than we will ever know and He will give us second chances if we accept His invitation. We’ve got to believe it!