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Grace and Space

    "Grace" is a word we toss around a lot in Christian circles, but maybe don't stop to think about much. But where would we be without the grace of God? It is one of the most amazing gifts Jesus has given us. We can mess up to the point of complete failure in the world's eyes, but grace gives us another chance. It is God's divine favor on our lives regardless of our imperfect actions. We are flawed in our flesh and cannot keep the law perfectly. That's why we ever needed Jesus to begin with and that is why grace is so important.

    Just because grace allows us to continue with God's plan even when we mess up, does not give us the liberty to abuse that gift. There are many grace-abusers in the church world. These people claim to be Christians, but instead of living their life focused on Jesus, they live their life focused on sin. They never try to walk by the Spirit, but continually indulge in sinful habits of the flesh, claiming that it is covered under grace.

    Remember that taking advantage of God's gifts never gets you anywhere in life. Jesus honors those who have a repentant heart and are honestly seeking Him. Those are the people that grace was meant for. God knows your heart and He will know if you are trying to use grace to cover your sinning behind-- there is no fooling Him. Seek Him and honor His beautiful gift of grace.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV)

 Romans 6:14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. (ESV)

 Romans 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. (ESV)

 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (ESV)

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