TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Read the entire passage: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Grace is getting what we don’t deserve. Like a gift, it’s not something we paid for or earned. This is exactly what we experience in Jesus. The gift of Jesus totally redefines our relationship with God. Before Jesus came and died for us, our sin was ours to bear—a terrifying thought to consider. But Jesus does something utterly astounding. He literally becomes our sin, and in return, we become his perfect righteousness. This is what happens when we place our faith and trust in Christ’s work on the cross.
When John Newton, a former slave trader, grasped this incredible gift he penned these words: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind but now I see.”
Our experience of God’s grace should transform the way we interact with others. We should extend grace as liberally as God has given it to us. This can be really tough. It might look like giving up your rights to have your kids even though it’s “your weekend” or giving your boss genuine honor even though he may not be acting in a manner worthy of respect. Grace is giving when it is not deserved.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As you start your day, consider one relationship you need to approach with grace. Where do you need to give blessing, even though it may not be deserved? As you identify this relationship, take a moment to hold it before God and pray this prayer, “God, you’ve given me incredible grace through Christ Jesus—a gift far greater than I deserve. Help me to show that same grace to ___________ today. Amen.”
