This week, we delve into the Scriptures to understand the Truth about grace, so we can boldly walk in the blessing God has prepared for us His children. God’s grace is available to all, but some believers seem to experience His favor effortlessly, while others struggle. The difference between these is not in God’s willingness to bless them, but in their level of revelation and understanding. Similarly, when we truly understand the nature and operations of grace, we shift from striving to resting in the finished work of Christ. Unfortunately, many believers have fallen into the trap of striving to earn God’s favor through good works, but grace cannot be earned – it is a gift. Romans 5:17 declares, “For if by one man’s offence death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” Saints, grace is not something we obtain through effort; we receive it by faith. Yet, many struggle to grasp this truth, often mistaking grace for self-righteousness, believing that God’s favor is based on doing right and avoiding wrong. This misconception has led to one of the greatest challenges to fully receiving grace – striving to fulfil the law rather than simply accepting what Christ did on the cross. Legalism therefore creates the false belief that blessings are earned through good works and that failure leads to a withdrawal of God’s favour. It cultivates a consequence-driven mindset where obedience is motivated by obligation rather than love, shifting the focus from the finished work of the cross to human performance. This burden leads to a never-ending cycle of condemnation and feelings of inadequacy, diminishing the power of Christ’s sacrifice and implying that grace and the cross were in vain (1 Corinthians 15:10).
We see an example of this in the early church when some insisted that circumcision was necessary for salvation (Acts 15:1), thus perverting the gospel of Christ by adding terms and conditions to grace. However, if salvation could be attained through fulfilling the law, then there would be no need for a Saviour. The reality is, no one can fully keep the law – it is impossible to uphold it in its entirety. That is why those under the law cried out for a Savior! But grace is different – it acknowledges that salvation comes purely from God’s love and generosity, not our efforts, which is why we refer to it as unmerited favour. When we accept Christ, God no longer sees us through our flaws but through the perfection of Jesus. This is why Acts 15:9 declares that we are purified by faith, not by our works, and Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Saints, salvation is entirely of God, not of ourselves. So rather than striving to earn what has already been freely given, let us shift our focus from our own goodness to His goodness, resting in the finished work of Christ!
Now, armed with the knowledge that grace is fully given, some might ask, “Does this mean we can live however we want?” The Apostle Paul addresses this in Romans 6:1-2, saying, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid! How shall we, who are dead to sin, live any longer in it? We are already dead to sin because that is the price that Jesus paid.” Church, grace is not a license to sin – no! It empowers us to walk in righteousness. Scripture reassures us, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (vs.14). The law brings an awareness of sin, but grace gives us the power to overcome it. And while God does not use our mistakes against us, we have an enemy who seeks to exploit every wrongdoing as an opportunity to accuse and condemn us. Therefore, while grace assures us of God’s love, let us use wisdom to live righteously, knowing that sin can open doors for the enemy. Let us not yield any of our members to unrighteousness (vs.16) or give Satan an occasion to use our faults against us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of grace that comes through Jesus Christ. Help us to rest in this grace, free from the burden of the law. Teach us how to live in the freedom You have given, not using grace as an excuse for sin, but as the power to walk in righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
2 Comments
Caroline
Yooooh! This devotion really spoke to me about the difference between striving and resting in God’s grace. For a long time, I believed that receiving God’s favor depended on how well I performed—doing good, avoiding mistakes, and trying to be “worthy.” But this message reminded me that grace is not earned; it is received by faith. The more we understand the fullness of what Christ has already done, the more we can walk confidently in His blessings without the burden of self-righteousness. Legalism only leads to exhaustion and condemnation, but grace brings freedom and empowerment. This week, I choose to shift my focus from my own efforts to His finished work, resting in the truth that I am already accepted in Christ.
Kamohelo
This devotion deeply resonates with me as well! It’s so easy to fall into the trap of striving for God’s favor, thinking that our worth is tied to performance. But as the Scriptures remind us, righteousness is a gift received through faith, not something we achieve by our own works. Legalism creates a heavy burden, making us feel like we’re never enough, yet grace frees us to walk in confidence and peace. The reminder that we are already accepted in Christ is powerful! This week, I also choose to shift my mindset from striving to resting in His grace, trusting in His love rather than my own efforts. True righteousness leads to peace, joy, and security in Him and I am grateful for that assurance!