In the Grip of GraceParaugs

The Path We Follow

The path we follow shows our response to God’s gift of grace. Paul knows that we can’t just stop at head knowledge when it comes to grace. That knowledge has to travel the distance to our heart so it results in true life change—in the transforming and renewing of our minds. Our response to God’s gift of life to us is to offer that life back to him. We choose to become a “living sacrifice” in service to Christ and to others. As we do, we reject the “pattern of the world” which promotes self-indulgence, self-expression, and self-celebration (see Romans 12:1–2).

Although the pattern of living a successful life in Rome was based on power, Paul says that followers of Jesus are cut from a different cloth. In God’s system, we put the needs of others above ourselves—even those who hate us and hurt us. We go the extra mile for those who don’t even deserve it (see Romans 12:14–21). Paul is clear that loving other people requires effort on our part. It requires intentionality. It requires us to walk down the path and be there for others.

We will only exhibit this kind of grace toward others when we truly comprehend the oceans of grace that we ourselves have received from God. Armed with that understanding, we choose the path of humility. We willingly submit to those who are in authority over us (see Romans 13:1) and as we demonstrate this kind of love we fulfill the law of God (see verse 8).

What does this kind of love look like today? It is a love that bears a semblance of God’s one love to us. Do you find such love difficult to muster? Scarce? Hard to offer? If so, you may be missing a step. This love for others begins, not by giving love, but by first receiving the love of Christ (see 1 John 4:19). We don’t love people because people are lovable. People are cranky, stubborn, selfish, and cruel. We love people because we are beneficiaries of an unexpected, undeserved, yet undeniable gift—the love of God. So we live out what we have received by loving others. The source of this love is not within us. It is only by receiving our Father’s love that we can discover this love for others.

God starts the process. He doesn’t just love. He lavishes us with love. He even promised a whopping return on our service (see Matthew 19:27–29). Of course, maybe you’ve had trouble in the past showing this kind of love to certain people. You know the ones . . . those people. You can love them when you understand God’s grace. God can love them through you. Because God indwells you, he will create in you a new attitude. May we be men and women who live out the love that God first demonstrated to us to everyone we meet. And may we do so actively and intentionally.

Respond

What is the difference between knowing about God’s grace and being transformed by God’s grace?

How is the Christian life different from the way the world says people should live?

How can God love others through you today?