Daily Devo

Let's Talk About Grace

By: Kelly Russell

Thursday, November 14, 2024

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. 1 Corinthians 15:10

What do you think of when you hear the word “grace”? Some know it to be prayer before a meal or an elegant presence. Those are general descriptions of grace, but it’s so much more. The fact is that everyone needs it. No one is exempt or excluded.

It’s good to be clear that the Word (grace) and the world (flesh) run opposite to each other. The enemy would have us believe they run parallel, leading us to the same place. This world is a stumbling block that's incompatible with following Jesus.

Generally, we desire to be people of grace, yet we are often quick to judge others. We should recognize that just because our sin is different doesn’t make it any less detestable to God. Sin means that we fall short of God’s standard of holiness. In practical terms, sin is any choice that separates us from God. It can appear as a blessing, but it will always betray you. Sin will always pay wages of death. Take a moment to examine yourself: how seriously do you take your own sin and how willing are you to change it? Selah

• Though we inherit a sinful nature, the blood of Jesus paid our sin debt. The riches of God’s grace resurrect us to new life. There is no salvation without grace; no sanctification, no strength, no settling, and no sweetness.

• Though our rebellion deserves punishment, God grants new mercies every morning. The Law revealed our sin, but only grace can remove it.

• Though Adam originated sin, God initiates grace. Where sin was great, grace was greater! Grace is not a Band-Aid to cover or patch up cracks. It’s the difference between a broken mess and broken-ness.

Apart from God, our lives are a perpetual struggle, like trying to mop up water from the seashore. We may expect victory after we surrender, but I continue to learn that surrender is the victory. It’s then that our broken vessels become showcases of God’s grace.

Thankfully, there is a throne of grace to help us in times of need. The writer of Hebrews exhorts us to approach God with confidence that He knows, He hears, and He moves. Be encouraged. We’re all learning to grow in grace daily. God’s grace never runs out; it always pours out. Grace has no expectations or limitations. Grace is based solely on the goodness and gifting of God. It’s only by this grace we go.

Read: Romans 5:20, Ephesians 2:7-9, Hebrews 4:16, 2 Timothy 2:20-21, 2 Peter 3:18