And if he chose them by grace, it is not for the things they have done. If they could be made God's people by what they did, God's gift of grace would not really be a gift.~ Romans 11:6 (NCV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Grace is a mystery that our human minds just have a hard time with. We want to pay for what we have, earning "our keep". Or we want to show off our ability to do more and be more holy than the next guy, 'cuz isn't there some sort of tier ladder in this thing called the "kingdom"?
Grace has been defined as a gift given than is undeserved. Not only do you not work to pay for it, but you haven't been good enough to deserve it. All human effort is wiped out with grace. It causes us to stand before God, completely bare of our own hard work and striving, and accept the robe of righteousness through His grace. Though His gift of love and mercy.
How good are we at living in grace? Are we able to tolerate it, without His robe itching our skin? It can be uncomfortable, if we haven't lain down our efforts and ego at the foot of the cross and His throne.
The gift that God has given is a great mystery. There is no way that anyone in this world could work hard enough or be pure enough to save their soul. Human effort cannot bridge the spiritual gap caused by sin. But praise God -- He is the Great Bridge-Builder! His grace gives us the ability to have a relationship with Him through belief and trust in Jesus....just because. Because God is love, and because He wants that relationship with us. He just can't help but reach out His hand and offer the gift. Over and over again. To all.
I pray that you can rest in God's grace today, knowing that your efforts didn't earn it, nor can you ever work hard to make it better. If you have trusted Jesus to deliver you from your sin, His grace covers you completely. Dwell in the safety of God's graceful arms today.
Love,
Joelene
No comments:
Post a Comment