Something we get without working for it.

We earn our paychecks. We worked for them.

Consider Romans 4:4-8 today.

4When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned.

There is an argument for not thanking your boss when he or she gives you a paycheck because the check is not a gift. It is completely okay to hold a paycheck proudly and say, “I earned this.” You did.

We did not earn our salvation. We did not work for it.

5But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.

The miracle of our lives is that we are declared righteous without working for it!

6David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of THOSE WHO ARE DECLARED RIGHTEOUS WITHOUT WORKING FOR IT:

7“Oh, what joy for those

whose disobedience is forgiven,

whose sins are put out of sight.

8Yes, what joy for those

whose record the LORD has cleared of sin.”(Romans 4:4-8)

Today’s a good day.

Today might actually be a bad day so far, but the truth remains that no matter how difficult our circumstances, we have received salvation without working for it! God handed salvation to us on a platter through the sacrifice of His Son on the cross.

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. (Romans 3:22)

God’s love is downright scandalous.

Who would die for someone who will never love them back? God. Who would die to make a way for someone to have eternal life even if that person refuses the offer? God. Who would die for someone who spends their life cursing your life-giving ways and character? God. Who who die for someone who slanders them with their words and actions? God. Who would die for someone who thinks you are lying even when you are speaking the truth in love? God.

God’s love is unbelievable.

Who would ever want to take advantage of such a generous love?

Not me!

1Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? (Romans 6:1-2)

And I am sure you don’t want to take advantage of such generous love either.

Picture Explanation: My husband and I turned 30 this week. It’s a really big deal. At the age of 32, I was adept at changing my circumstances when life got too hard. I ran.

When my second marriage became difficult (as all marriages do), I stood in the living room and prayed, “Lord, teach me how to love. Teach me how to stay.” 30 is a big deal and God gets all the credit.

Speaking of comprehending the miracle of our salvation: If you are interested in being contacted to participate in a One Gritty Blink Bible study, click on the Oaks Ministries link below and send me an email so I can place you on a list to be contacted as online and face-to-face studies are planned. Let’s not just focus on things in this short life, but also what counts for eternity!

Note: No part of my posts are derived from A.I. Thoughts and writing stem from my mind and heart as I process life week-by-week and continue to grow in my understanding of God and how to apply His wisdom to the world around me.