Considering the differing reactions to God's gift to the world.

Do you know the difference between grace and mercy? Are you living in God's grace or in His mercy?

To conclude the series on reasons for the hope that is in us, Gregg Donaldson looks at the overwhelming evidence for the greatest event in history, Jesus' trial, crucifixion and resurrection.

James Matheson gives the reason for the hope of his salvation, describing how, in his childhood, the enemy had worked hard to try and devastate him. His life today is a testimony of God's goodness and grace and characterises what Jesus meant when he said that we would have life and life to the full.

If we seek God with all our hearts, we will find Him, share in His truth and be hopeful in our salvation but the bible tells us to always be ready to give an explanation of that hope that is in us, with humility.

Throughout the book of Ruth, we see various fields and these are a picture of God's plan of redemption for mankind. Boaz was like Jesus, out in the harvest field, waiting for his bride. In the same way, Jesus wants us to follow Him into the harvest field.

Ruth invited Boaz, with grace, love and humility, to be her kinsman redeemer even though she could have demanded it, by law. This is a picture of how God sees relationships. Jesus wants us to invite Him to be our redeemer, not as a legal requirement but instead because we love Him.

Ruth was hardworking, righteous, generous and had a humble attitude. This not only led to Boaz taking notice of her but also to God positioning her for great purposes.

Each one of us are like Ruth. We came from a place of not knowing God, often a place of hardship, to be grafted into His family. Despite all the problems Naomi and Ruth faced, God turned around their pain and Ruth became a part of the lineage of Jesus.

Life is like a marathon, not a sprint. If we want to have a good finish, in other words, be welcomed with a 'well done', we need to have an aim, be prepared, develop stamina and run the race with a view to winning.