Wednesday Word: Grace, Not Works
Scripture:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
Good morning Faith fam,
I’ve been sitting with this verse a lot lately. Mainly because there are days I catch myself feeling like I’m just not enough...not doing enough, not faithful enough, not strong enough for God. It’s such an easy trap to fall into, isn’t it?
We live in a world that constantly pushes us to do more, earn more, and achieve more. Without realizing it, we start carrying that same pressure into our faith, as if we need to prove ourselves to God, or somehow earn His approval.
I think, If I could just pray a little harder, fix a few more things, be a little more “together,” then maybe God would be more pleased with me. But that’s not what His Word says at all. This verse reminds us that His love doesn’t work that way. It’s not something we achieve; it’s something we receive freely and completely.
Paul reminds us that grace is a gift. You don’t have to earn it, prove you deserve it, or keep it by being perfect. It’s freely given. Salvation is not a reward for good behavior. It’s the result of a loving God who said, “You’re mine,” long before you got it all right.
Whew... read that last sentence one more time.
When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant it. The work was done. The striving could stop.
Grace doesn’t give us permission to live carelessly. It gives us the freedom to live gratefully. When you know you’re already loved, already forgiven, and already accepted, you stop living from pressure and start living from peace.
So if this week has you trying to do it all, take a deep breath. You don’t have to earn what’s already been given. God’s grace covers you right where you are, and He’s not keeping score.
Reflect & Respond
- Have you been trying to earn God’s love or approval in any area of your life?
- How would your days feel different if you truly believed grace was enough?
Take a moment to really think on it. Write it down. Pray about it. And if you feel led, share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Your reflection might be exactly what someone else needs to read today.
A Simple Prayer
Lord, thank You for loving me before I ever did anything to deserve it. Help me to stop striving for Your approval and start resting in Your grace. Fill my heart with gratitude and remind me that You finished the work. Amen.
Need Prayer?
If something’s heavy on your heart, we’d love to pray with you. Leave a comment below or reply to this email. You’re never alone in this.
Grace really does change everything.
0 comments