A GIFT FREELY GIVEN
Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.
Romans 3:24 (NLT)
My dad is the hardest person to shop for when it comes to Christmas gifts. He never wants or asks for anything, which makes it more challenging. One year, I had custom cufflinks made for him—one had a picture of his mother and the other a picture of his father. On Christmas Day, when he opened the gift, he was speechless. Tears filled his eyes, and he pulled me in for a hug. After a little while, he came back all dressed up in a button-down shirt, proudly wearing the cufflinks. He wore them all day.
As Christians, we bear witness to our salvation when we accept the gift of grace Jesus has offered us. If you're like me and grew up in the church, grace can easily become just another word, stripped of its wonder. The definition of grace refers to simple elegance or refinement of movement, the display of kindness and courtesy, or the unmerited, freely given favor of God. This meaning of grace can be broken down based on context, but if you think about it, isn't God offering us grace that encompasses all of them? God's grace is effortless and smooth, courteous and kind. It's undeserved and freely given favor from God because He loves us.
Ephesians 2 mentions that we are saved by grace twice within three verses. Paul emphasizes that grace is not something we earn, search for, or work for— it's a gift. We all know that we don't have to work for or earn the gifts we receive on Christmas, anniversaries or birthdays. When we receive a gift, we accept it with gratitude and thanksgiving towards the giver.
This is what happens when we are alive in Christ. God extends the gift of grace, and it's up to us to accept it. If you do, you'll be forever changed. You'll have a spirit of life, and just like my dad, who proudly wore his cufflinks right away, we too are called to bear the light of Jesus for those around us to witness.
APPLICATION: Have you accepted God's gift of grace? He loves you and wants you to experience the freedom and joy that comes with it. Open your hands to receive—there's nothing you need to earn.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for Your gift of grace. How amazing it truly is! I love You. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?