Grace Carriers – Becoming a Vessel of God’s Mercy in a Broken World

By Dr. Stephen Akinmosa

Introduction – A World in Desperate Need of Grace

We are living in a world that groans beneath the weight of sin, division, sorrow, and spiritual famine. Nations are fractured by political unrest, communities are broken by violence, and individuals carry silent battles—battles of identity, fear, addiction, and shame. In such a world, the ministry of mercy becomes not only relevant but urgent. It is not enough for the Church to exist—we are called to engage, to intervene, and to intercede as vessels of God’s redemptive love.

God’s grace is His active, divine favour given to humanity not because of our merit, but in spite of our failures. It is the expression of His character—abounding in love, slow to anger, and rich in compassion (Exodus 34:6). In a broken world, God calls His children not just to be recipients of grace but carriers of it. This is the mission of every believer—to embody and extend the mercy of Christ wherever brokenness exists.

“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.”
— John 1:16 (NKJV)

We are not merely saved to sit—we are saved to serve. To be a grace carrier is to be an extension of heaven’s heart to a hurting earth.

 Grace Defined – The Overflow of God’s Unmerited Love

Grace is one of the most central themes of the Christian faith. It is the undeserved kindness of God that redeems the sinner, renews the broken, and transforms the willing. The Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of the Church, described grace as the fountain of his entire ministry:

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect…”
— 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV)

Grace (charis in Greek) is not passive—it is power in motion. It is God’s divine influence upon the human heart, prompting righteousness and empowering purpose. Grace saves us (Ephesians 2:8–9), sustains us (2 Corinthians 12:9), and sanctifies us (Titus 2:11–12).

We cannot carry what we do not understand. To become a vessel of mercy, we must be steeped in a daily awareness of grace—how undeserved it is, how transformative it is, and how boundless it is.

Examples of Grace at Work:

• Paul – The former blasphemer became the greatest missionary of the early Church (1 Timothy 1:13-14).

• David – The flawed king found restoration through God’s steadfast love (Psalm 51).

• The Prodigal Son – Welcomed not with punishment but with a feast of forgiveness (Luke 15:20-24).

Grace is not cheap; it is costly. It cost Christ His life. And yet, it is freely given to all who will receive—and in turn, give.

 The Character of a Grace Carrier

To carry grace is not a momentary act—it is a cultivated posture of the heart. Grace carriers reflect the character of Christ in both quiet obedience and public action. The following traits mark those who live as vessels of divine mercy:

1. Humility

A grace-filled life begins with the awareness of personal need.

“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6

2. Compassionate Perception

Grace carriers look beyond faults to see the pain beneath.

“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them…” – Matthew 9:36

3. Forgiveness

Grace thrives in hearts that release others from debt.

“Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13

4. Sacrificial Love

To carry grace is to lay down one’s own comfort for the sake of others.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13

These qualities are not produced by sheer effort but by abiding in Christ (John 15:5). Grace carriers are not perfect—they are yielded.

 Jesus Christ – The Embodiment of Grace

No one embodied grace more completely than Jesus Christ. He was the full expression of the Father’s mercy walking in human flesh. He ate with sinners, healed the broken, touched the unclean, and forgave the undeserving.

“The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
— John 1:17

Every encounter Jesus had with the broken was an encounter with grace:

• With the woman at the well (John 4) – He gave dignity to the disgraced.

• With the leper (Mark 1:40–45) – He touched the untouchable.

• With Peter (John 21:15–19) – He restored the fallen disciple.

Jesus never withheld mercy where there was humility. His life was a model of grace in action—and He invites us to walk in His footsteps.

The Making of a Vessel – Formed Through the Fire

To be used by God, one must be formed by God. Vessels of grace are not self-made; they are Spirit-shaped.

1. Repentance – Turning to God

Before we can pour grace, we must be emptied of self-righteousness.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God…” – Psalm 51:10

2. Sanctification – A Lifelong Process

This is the daily refining of the soul through the Word, prayer, and surrender.

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” – Philippians 1:6

3. Brokenness – A Blessing in Disguise

It is often our wounds that open the door for mercy to flow through us.

“He comforts us… so that we can comfort others.” – 2 Corinthians 1:4

God uses trials not to discard us but to deepen us. The more we are emptied of pride, fear, and self, the more space grace has to move through us.

 Grace in Motion – Living Out Mercy Daily

Being a Grace Carrier is not confined to pulpit ministry or missionary service. It is as practical as it is spiritual. Every believer, regardless of age, occupation, or status, can be a vessel of mercy.

Daily Expressions of Grace:

• Listening without judgment

• Praying for your enemies (Matthew 5:44)

• Offering a meal to the hungry

• Speaking kind words to the discouraged

• Extending forgiveness to those who wronged you

Grace speaks louder than argument. It reveals God’s heart to people who would never read a Bible but will read your life.

“Let your light so shine before others…” – Matthew 5:16

Grace flows most powerfully in the ordinary.

 Mercy as a Mission – Reaching the Margins

A Grace Carrier is on divine assignment. As salt and light, we are called to run toward, not away from, the broken places of the world.

“He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives…” – Isaiah 61:1

Mercy in Action:

• The Good Samaritan crossed cultural and religious lines to bring healing (Luke 10:33).

• Tabitha (Acts 9:36) was known for her deeds of kindness and compassion.

• Modern examples: believers offering refuge to displaced people, mentoring at-risk youth, forgiving public offenders.

Mercy is not simply emotional—it is missional. The Church must not be a fortress of isolation but a fountain of grace.

 Hindrances to Becoming a Vessel

Though the call is clear, many believers struggle to live as Grace Carriers due to spiritual, emotional, or psychological barriers:

1. Judgmentalism

A critical spirit blocks the flow of mercy.

“You who judge practice the same things…” – Romans 2:1

2. Fear

Fear of rejection, failure, or being misunderstood often paralyse action.

“Perfect love drives out fear…” – 1 John 4:18

3. Unforgiveness

Bitterness poisons the well of grace.

“How can you receive forgiveness if you do not forgive?” – Matthew 6:14–15

4. Spiritual Complacency

A heart disconnected from intimacy with God cannot reflect His nature.

To live as a grace carrier, we must constantly go to the source. This means daily devotion, honest repentance, and a hunger for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment.

 Final Word – Advice for Believers

Beloved of God, the world does not need more noise—it needs more grace.

To be a Grace Carrier is not merely to do good works, but to allow the Holy Spirit to work through you. It is to reflect the Gospel with your life as much as with your lips. Grace changes everything—and through you, it can change someone’s world.

Practical Counsel:

• Stay close to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16)

• Begin each day by receiving before giving

• Ask God to show you someone to show mercy to

• Let compassion interrupt your schedule

• Extend grace to yourself when you fall short

And finally, never forget that grace is strongest in weakness. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be available.

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”
— 2 Chronicles 15:7

You are not just a believer—you are a Grace Carrier. Go, and let His mercy flow.