Grace Sufficient | Aiven Martinez

Hey everyone! Good morning! Wanted to start the day with a short devotional on Gods grace for us.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭9‬

God’s grace towards us is so important, without it we would be cut off from relationship with Him. God’s ultimate example of grace was through sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross in our place so that we could be forgiven of our sins and be restored to relationship with our creator. Grace is not something we earn but it is freely given to us as a gift. Because of this Grace we no longer have to strive for perfection to attain a relationship with God, because Christ did all the necessary work. There is no need to try and earn His grace or love today it is a free gift. If we had to earn his grace it would no longer be grace. Paul says this in Galatians 2:21 “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” We must be Christ followers just like Paul, unwilling to set aside the grace of God because it is all we have to cling to for salvation and righteousness. Even when we fall short God’s grace is still there for us. Not that we would abuse this Grace but that this expression of love and forgiveness from our Father would lead us to live and love more like Christ. “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,”

‭‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬. God’s grace teaches and empowers us to live a godly life. His grace is perfect and sanctifies us. It is not the fear of wrath or condemnation from God that leads us to live a godly life but instead His Grace. A true understanding and appreciation for this Grace doesn’t lead us to a sinful lifestyle, but does the complete opposite it leads us to live just as Christ did. “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‬‬I don’t know what your story is or what is going on in your life, but I know one thing, that God’s grace is for you today if you are willing to take ahold of it. This grace came at a high price, but Christ considered it a joy that he would have us. “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬. Draw near to your Savior today and be willing to receive the grace and mercy we all need.

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭10‬

“For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬ ‭

As Christ followers our identity is rooted in those who are under grace, no matter the mistakes or commendable actions we do, we are only saved by the grace of God. And it will always be what trains us to renounce ungodliness and live a Christ like life. Let us be those who bring our weakness before God and trust in the sufficiency of His Grace to cleanse us and make us more like Jesus. Enjoy his grace today!