Finally living in God's grace

I posted last night on Facebook that I was coming to some realizations that could mean a complete change in my relationship with Christ. I knew there were some verses that spoke to exactly what I was talking about, but I wanted to make sure I had them before sharing what God has placed on my heart. Keep in mind, this really isn't anything new; I haven't discovered something about God that wasn't already known, it's just that I have gained new understanding.

2 John 1:5-6
Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is my commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning that you should walk in it.

I get it. More than just an intellectual understanding, I get it in the very depths of my heart and soul. And it's this "revelation" that has brought me to the realization that the very way I live is going to change. Probably not right away, but in small ways, slowly until I am completely changed. And here it is: We aren't to obey God's commandments so that we can earn His love. Because He first loved us, we respond in love through obedience. But the beauty of it all is that God never forces anyone to choose Him; to love Him. We all have complete free will in the matter. Some hearts are just too hardened towards God's voice, but for others He with waiting quietly, patiently, fully loving them until there is nothing left for them to do but fall into His arms.

Romans 8:1
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Even after being a Christian for so long, I never really understood what it meant to live by God's grace and in God's grace. I think that I've struggled so long with the same sin, that I started to believe the lie that
1. I had to fight it on my own and
2. I had to do something to earn God's love
False. On both accounts. It is God's grace and mercy working in me and through me that I will conquer the desires of my flesh. And I've had God's love all along. There is nothing I can do that will change how He feels about me.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

God, transform me to be more like You! I don't want to follow after what the world claims is truth; what the world says is "acceptable". Reveal yourself to me through your Word and prayer. Keep my eyes always on the things above, never forgetting the Reason I exist. Let everything I do be for the purpose of glorifying you, not trying to please men, clamoring for approval, but resting in knowing that I already have the approval of the One who really matters.
Burn into my heart the reason I do the things I do for You. Why do I serve? Why do I love? Why do I pray? Why do I fight the temptation to sin? Why do I desire for my friends and family to really know You and why should I be sharing the gospel?

Because You love me.