Cheap Grace, Expensive Grace, Expansive Grace
By Dr. Michael Obsatz – March 2025
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“I Forgive You. Now Go and Sin No More”
Jesus shares one clear message about grace. Grace means that one is forgiven for negative, mean, or destructive actions by God, oneself, and other people. But that is not the end of it. “Go and sin no more” is about one’s willingness to learn from one’s mistakes and negative actions. And, to no longer repeat them.
This is the “accountability” part of grace that is often overlooked. Jesus wanted people to learn about righteousness and transform fear and hatred into love and compassion.
Forgiveness without commitment to accountability has been called “cheap grace.” The accountability piece can create the real understanding of repentance, changing one’s behavior. I will call that “expensive grace.” We could also call it “expansive grace.” Expansive grace means learning, growing, empathizing and loving oneself, others, Spirit, and the earth.
If we lack empathy, we are nothing and have nothing. No amount of wealth, power, or achievement can take the place of knowing that one is lovable, loved, and loving.
Prevenient grace means we are forgiven in advance by God or Spirit. However, continuous hostility and violence toward others and the earth will bring about self-destruction for bullies and suffering for many.
Like the song asks, “When will they ever learn?”
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© 2025, Dr. Michael Obsatz, all rights reserved, www.lifesjourney.us
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