BALANCING THE LAW AND GRACE
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.
Romans 3:19-20 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
How do we balance “the law” and “grace?” Why did God give us “the law?”
Paul addresses this for us in our passage today. Paul says, “the law simply shows us how sinful we are.” When I read that I think of shaving in the morning. I look into a mirror to tell me where I need to shave. The mirror helps me see whether I got everything I needed to shave.
I would look foolish if I broke off a piece of the mirror and tried to shave with the mirror. The purpose of the mirror is to reveal my need for a razor. The mirror shows me where I need to shave.
God’s law is the mirror. The law reveals how much we need help. It lets us know it is impossible to live up to this standard by self-control or human effort. The law drives us to grace. God’s grace, His unmerited favor, is what removes the sin from our lives.
God’s grace gives me the desire and ability to please God. Without grace I don’t have the desire or ability to please God.
This is important to recognize when we want to be a witness to others. We need to understand grace and the law. The law shows us God is holy and expects holiness from us. Grace shows us God is loving and wants to help us live this holy life.
Living a holy life is not just to please God and get us to heaven. Living according to God’s design is the most fulfilling and satisfying way to live. We are created by God, and he knows what is best for us. The Word of God is God’s “owner’s manual” to teach us how we best function.
Think about how life on earth would be if no one lied. No one killed anyone. No one stole from each other. No one committed adultery. Everyone honored their parents.
Imagine a world where people loved each other as they loved themselves. Instead of putting ourselves first, we all chose to serve others.
That sounds impossible, and it is without God’s grace transforming us and freeing us from our sin and selfishness. This is the message we need to let the world know. There is a better way to live. It is in surrender to God’s grace.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit help me to live in full surrender to Your grace. Help me to demonstrate this grace in my life to others. Help me to tell others about Your grace.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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