God's GraceSample

Say this sentence out loud: My heart doesn’t measure up, but God’s grace can clean it up.

Many, many years ago, God gave His people something called the law. The law is a list of rules to follow to be right with God. How many rules do you think God gave them? More than 600! Can you imagine having to follow 600 rules?! Do you think it would be possible? 

Turns out, it’s not possible. Nobody except Jesus can follow all the rules all the time. We will fail to do things God’s way. We will sin, and sin breaks our friendship with God.

Basically, the law shows us that no matter how hard we try, our hearts can’t ever be good enough. We can’t earn God’s friendship. That’s sad.

But the law also shows us something good: we need God’s grace. Even though our hearts don’t measure up, God’s grace can clean them up! When we put our faith in Jesus, our sin is forgiven, and we are made right with God.

And the best part? When we follow Jesus, God’s law gets a lot shorter. Instead of 600 rules, we only have two. Love God, and love others the same way we love ourselves. It’s still hard, but when you’re friends with God, He’s right there to help you out!

Talk It Over: 

What do you think is so hard about following 600 laws?

What do you think is important about loving God and loving others?