Devotion: Apart From Works

Romans 3:21-28

But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forwards a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus.

Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.

Ring! Ring! “Hello?” “Congratulations! You’ve been selected to win a free trip to the Bahamas!”

I learned a long time ago that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. My parents taught me at an early age that if you want something, you have to work for it. Nothing in life is free.

And then I read Paul’s letter to the Romans, which contradicts that; there is something that is free: God’s gift of grace! Our works will not get us this freely given gift but our faith. I’m reminded of God’s grace everywhere. “But for the grace of God, go I” is painted on the back of a semi truck. “Amazing Grace” is played at the evening lighting ceremony at Mt. Rushmore. On NETV, the Texas Tenors sing the same hymn to a teary-eyed crowd. God’s grace is all around us if we open our eyes to it. “I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.”

Good leaders demonstrate their faith by sharing God’s grace. We were created to be Christ’s leaders in today’s world when we create community. My daughter’s family lives in Katy, Texas, a Houston suburb. My eyes have been glued to the Weather Channel for days watching the wrath of Hurricane Harvey. They were safe but so many residents in that area were not. The spirit of grace was demonstrated again and again as civilians rescued those with no regard to race, background or creed. A group of strangers formed a human chain to rescue an elderly man from his submerged car. Everywhere the community came together to save others. This phrase is well stated. “With one more act of grace, the world gains a touch more love.”

God has given us this free, unmerited gift of grace. How will we share God’s grace with others?

Gracious and Loving Father, we give you praise and thanksgiving for your unmerited gift of grace. Strengthen our faith and guide us to have a grace filled life. Amen.

Written by Janece Nelson