Most of us have heard the old saying, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.” The expression comes from the practice of checking a horse’s teeth to judge its age and value. To examine the mouth of a horse that has been freely given is to imply suspicion, doubt, or ingratitude—as though the gift were a transaction rather than an expression of generosity.
The phrase can be traced back as far as the 4th century AD, when St Jerome used the Latin equivalent. It reminds us that a true gift is something to be received with openness rather than inspection.
But what about the gift of grace?
In the Letter to the Ephesians we hear these words of astonishing reassurance:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”
(Ephesians 2:8)
Grace is not something we earn, bargain for, or qualify to receive. It is sheer gift—God’s generosity poured out in Jesus Christ, freely and lovingly offered.
Writer Frederick Buechner describes it like this:
“The grace of God means something like this: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn’t have been complete without you… I love you. There’s only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you’ll reach out and take it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too.”
Grace is not only God’s gift; even the ability to receive it is grace as well. We do not inspect it, measure it, or qualify it. We simply open our hands, and God fills them.
A man once received a letter in the post marked “A Gift for You.”
He put it on the mantelpiece, meaning to open it later.
Days passed, then weeks.
The envelope gathered dust.
When he finally opened it, he discovered a cheque from a friend who knew he was struggling.
The gift had been his the whole time—but it did nothing for him until he opened it.
Grace is like that.
God has already given it.
It’s freely offered, fully paid for, completely undeserved.
But it only changes us when we stop hesitating, stop doubting, and simply receive it.
Prayer
Gracious God,
You offer us gifts we could never earn
and blessings we do not deserve.
Teach us to receive your grace
with open hands and grateful hearts.
When we are tempted to measure,
to question, or to hold back,
remind us that your love is freely given.
Help us to live as people of grace—
generous, trusting, and joyful—
so that others may glimpse your kindness through us.
In the name of Christ,
the greatest gift of all.
Amen.
Practice: Pray: “Help me receive your grace today.”
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