The Father Loves You By Pete BriscoeSample

Day 9

The Good Gift of Grace

Don't judge me. I made a lot of money. —Samantha Bee

We are constantly judged in this world by our performance, appearance, and possessions. Although it’s never really said outright, your earthly value is based on these things. Without them, you are nothing.

But God deals with us in no such way. Because He is love, our acceptance is based on something entirely different:

Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” (Exodus 34:5-7)

He is gracious.

That’s the God we call “Father.” His grace changes the rules on all things. He lavishes His best on us even though we have done nothing to deserve it.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

What can you say to that? How do we respond to such love?

God, thank You SO much for holding us to a different standard than the world. Releasing me from constantly changing expectations that are unachievable is relieving. Help me to focus on Your gift, a salvation I cannot earn, and find worth in that above anything else! Amen.