LIVING FREE
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:15-17 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
When we celebrate Christmas, we could take a moment and go back to the beginning—back to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. They were two perfect people, living in a perfect environment, and in a perfect relationship with God. There was only one restriction—don’t eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Satan comes into this perfect environment and tempts them, and they rebel against God’s perfect plan. This sin brought death and separation between God and man. Because of Adam’s sin everyone in humanity has been born with a corrupted sin nature. We have a sin virus in our operating system that impacts every decision and action of our lives.
But God showed humanity grace and mercy by sending Jesus into this broken world. Jesus came and lived a life without sin to show us how to live. Then, in an incredible act of love Jesus offered Himself as a substitute to die in our place to pay the price for our sins.
When Adam and Eve sinned, shame, guilt, and pain entered the human equation. We all know what that shame, guilt and pain feels like because we have all sinned. We can’t get rid of that shame, guilt, and pain. Our only hope is to come humbly to Jesus and accept His gift of grace and mercy.
At Christmas we pause to remember God’s grace and mercy through Jesus. We remember we are sinners doomed to die, but because of Jesus we have hope of a better life—eternal life.
Jesus’ death and resurrection not only paid the price for our sins, but it also broke the control and consequences of sin in our lives. We can live free from the control and consequences of sin.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Thank You, Lord Jesus for Your grace and mercy extended to me. Thanks for making it possible for me to live in true freedom.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
Blinded by your mercy , living by your grace .