Why Are We Afraid of Grace?

Paul is very plain. He doesn't mince words....and he rarely did anyway. He was a straight shooter with many years of experience. He had been misunderstood before and mistreated and mis (you fill in the blank...he was). But there is no misunderstanding this statement. In Ephesians 2:4, 5, Paul says, "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved." And so there's no misunderstanding, he says it again in vs. 8 and 9, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast."
Now I see people all the time having to explain it. "Now you have to have the whole story. You have to get the entire picture." They go on to explain that Paul doesn't really mean that, he means there is more. I understand to an extent what they are saying. Paul says that God's grace is not without effect. But we are still saved by grace. What are we afraid of? Why can't we just accept that? Why can't we just take God, take Jesus, take Paul at face value? We will never be able to earn, or be worthy, or do anything that will make us deserve God's grace. Never.
Dear God, thank you for your grace. I want to accept it. I want it to change me. Help me to never take it for granted or use it as "cheap grace." But Father, help me to bask in your grace and not to be afraid to call it what it is....unmerited favor. In Jesus name, Amen! Have a great day! JW