How many times have you messed up and done something you know goes against God’s best for your life? I’ll give you some time to count…still counting? Yeah, me too. Never mind the actual number then. It’s probably good enough to say that each of us has done enough in our lives to know that there is no possible way to say we deserve the amazing grace of His gift to us in Jesus.
Isn’t that a humbling thought? To know that the thing you need most, you cannot do anything to earn? But even in that desperation, it is comforting to know that you don’t have to earn it…it’s given freely to anyone who asks. How amazing is that? Out of all the available belief systems out there, Jesus is the only one who says, “I have something to give you. There’s nothing you can do to repair your broken state. But then, I don’t require that. I want to restore you for free!”
And when you accepted that invitation, He meant it…for all eternity, because He can’t deny who He is. 2 Timothy 2:13 says, “if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself” (ESV). That is a real model for integrity. He has every reason to turn His back…but doesn’t. When you mess up, you’re still covered. And while that’s no excuse to go out and take advantage of that generosity (is that real belief/acceptance/love anyway?), it is comforting to know that we are loved in spite of our deeds and not because of them.
Be a witness,
Nate