he will render to each one according to his works.
[romans 2:6]
just for a moment, think about your day yesterday; how did it measure up? did your heart ever lust? become bitter? get short with a spouse or child? did you give glory to the Father in everything? whatever it was, I’m positive there were shortcomings. thankfully, his grace for us is not based on what we have done or failed to do.
for by grace you have been saved through faith . and this is not your doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – ephesians 2:8-9
i’m not sure how you resonate with this passage, but my gratitude for his grace is increasing.
but if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. – romans 11:6
grace has so many definitions and uses found in scripture; but at its most basic understanding, grace is unmerited favor. it’s something we couldn’t and will never earn. it’s God’s favor imparted on us where we fall short time and time again. grace is not only a characteristic of God but can also be an influence of the spirit to change our obedience and our works.
God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. -2 corinthians 9:8.
Father, make your grace abound in us!
the realization of grace motivates us to shine our light to others so they may see our good works and give glory to the Father (matthew 5:16)! wherever you are right now, whatever your day looked like yesterday, bring it to Jesus. let his grace bring you to repentance and good works. your works are not an atonement for your sin; believer, you are justified through faith by the blood of Jesus Christ! ask him to grow your gratitude for grace. ask him to use you in your workplace, your home, or school to shine a light on his glory.
Lord, lay a foundation of repentance from dead works. draw your children into maturity, knowledge, and wisdom from your word. grow our gratitude for your grace through our shortcomings and move us to good works that shine bright of your glory! -amen
~ joe lorsung