Grit and Grace - Rooted in God’s Unconditional Love

Those two words describe the heart of God—His unyielding, never-ending pursuit of us. From the manger to the cross, His love has never wavered, never weakened, and never walked away.

But how do we respond to such relentless love? We respond with grit and with grace.

• Grit to persevere when life feels uncertain or heavy.

• Grace to rest when our own strength runs out.

These two, grit and grace, become the way we walk out relentless love in daily life. Not perfectly. Not flawlessly. But faithfully, one surrendered step at a time.

I know this firsthand. There have been moments when I had to lay down the weight I was carrying—repent, release it to God, and receive His forgiveness. It wasn’t a quick fix. It was, and still is, a daily choice. Grit and grace are not “one and done” moments. They are the rhythm of our sanctification journey: persistence, obedience, reverence for God, and His mercy meeting us time after time.

And the good news is this: we don’t walk alone. God never intended for us to carry His calling in isolation. He has given us His Spirit and a community of believers to remind us that relentless love is never a solo journey.

What is the sustainable foundation that anchors our faith, enabling grit and grace? It is the fear of God. When we hear the phrase ‘fear of God,’ it can sound intimidating, even uncomfortable. But biblically, this “fear” is not about being terrified; it’s about reverence. It’s that deep awe and honor for the Lord that shapes the way we live, we love, and the way we surrender.

Deuteronomy 10:12 (NIV) says it plainly: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”

The fear of the Lord is the foundation for faith, enabling grit and grace. It anchors us in obedience, keeps us humble in our surrender, and reminds us that life is not about self-reliance but God-reliance. Without it, grit quickly turns into striving, and grace becomes something we assume instead of treasure.

Life has a way of testing our resolve. Seasons shift, constant transition, and sometimes the roles we’ve held for years feel like they’re slipping through our fingers. It takes grit to keep moving forward.

But grit in God’s kingdom doesn’t mean gritting our teeth and doing it all ourselves. It means standing firm in His promises and drawing strength from His presence. Joshua 1:9 (NIV) says: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

This isn’t just a call to be tough; it’s a reminder of who goes with us. God’s relentless love doesn’t abandon us when life feels uncertain. He equips us with courage.

Paul reinforces this in 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV): “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

Friend, grit is not about doing more—it’s about remembering who you belong to and living with courage because His Spirit is alive in you.

As much as we value strength, we know there are days when grit alone won’t carry us. That’s when grace steps in. Grace is God’s relentless love poured out in the places where we feel weak or weary.

Paul’s testimony in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) reminds us: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Grace allows us to stop pretending we have it all together. We can admit our weaknesses, and instead of shame, we receive strength. Instead of exhaustion, we find rest. Instead of failure, we discover His faithfulness.

Grace doesn’t mean we give up; it means we let God carry what we cannot.

When grit and grace come together, we see relentless love in motion. Grit keeps us steady. Grace keeps us surrendered. Together, they reflect the one true God who is both strong and tender, both just and merciful.

Relentless love means you don’t have to strive for God’s approval; you already have it. It means you’re never too late, too broken, or too far gone. It means you can face the unknown with courage and walk through weakness with peace.

And sometimes, truth reaches us most deeply when we pause to listen rather than analyze. Let these words settle in your heart as a reminder of God’s relentless love:

Relentless love does not falter.

It does not bend beneath the weight of my weakness,

nor grow weary when I stumble again.

It meets me in the silence,

in the surrender I’ve been resisting,

and whispers, “You are Mine.”

Grit rises when I lean on His strength,

not my own.

Courage grows in the shadow of His presence,

where fear cannot survive.

Persistence is not pride,

it is obedience that keeps walking

when the road feels uncertain.

Grace catches me when grit has run dry.

It pours over my failures,

turns my shame into testimony,

and breathes peace into my restless heart.

The fear of the Lord grounds me,

not in terror,

but in holy awe.

It teaches me to bow low,

to love fully,

to serve freely.

Relentless love is the rhythm of my journey.

One day at a time,

with grit in my steps,

and grace in my soul.

So, friend, if you’re in a season of transition, take heart. God’s relentless love is for you. Let reverence for Him be your anchor, let grit keep you steady, and let grace carry you when you cannot carry yourself.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be persistent. And you never walk alone. His relentless love goes with you, every step of the way.

Anne Wooten

Author: Anne Wooten, founder of Anne Wooten, LLC, is a Christian life coach, author, and musician who empowers Christian individuals to overcome fear, step into their purpose, and live with confidence through her coaching and writing. Connect with her on social media and learn much more about her at www.annewooten.com.