Definition: But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from 1 Corinthians 15:10. It's a really rich and nuanced passage about God’s work in our lives. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God’s grace , which He gave to us, wasn’t just a nice feeling – it had a powerful impact on our lives. It wasn't me doing the work; it was God working through us. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "But by the grace of God I am what I am..." : This is saying that God gave us a special, incredible gift – His grace. It's like He set us up in a unique way to be blessed and fulfilled. "...and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain..." : This is the key part. The “grace” wasn’t just given to us; it was already present – God had already started working on us. It's like planting a seed - it needs time and care to grow. "...but I laboured more abundantly than they all..." : This is where the action really starts. "Labored" means to work hard, to strive. The verse says that I – meaning you – worked harder than everyone else in the church. It wasn’t about doing something alone; it was about pushing ourselves to be better, to grow closer to God, and to fulfill His purpose for us. "...yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." : This is the crucial part! The verse emphasizes that God's grace – the very thing that made it possible for me to work so hard – was the primary reason for my effort. It wasn’t me doing all the work, but God’s power and guidance were the driving force. In simpler terms: It means that God’s love and favor are powerful enough to enable us to live a full and meaningful life, even when we're working hard. Our efforts are a result of God's blessing. Why is this important? This verse encourages us to trust in God's plan for our lives. It reminds us that we don’t have to do everything on our own; God is actively involved and working for our good. It also emphasizes that we should strive to live a life that honors Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible passages about grace or faith? Give you some practical ways to express gratitude for God's blessings?