Day 10: Grace

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

This passage is a powerful reminder of how God’s grace works in our lives. Two key themes especially stand out:

“It is the gift of God.” This leaves no room for pride in ourselves, because grace is all from God! We are not any more “worthy” or deserving of God’s grace than any other person on this earth. This leads us to be more thankful and loving because God, through Jesus Christ, has given us the ultimate gift: grace. We no longer see ourselves as better than others. Since God has shown such wonderful love to us, how much more should we share that with others?  

“It is not the result of works.” None of our works have any bearing on God’s grace: it is freely given. There is a vague idea in our culture today that “If I am just a good person and I live a good life, then I will be all right with God.” We feel like we can manipulate God into seeing us: “Look at me God! Look at what I’ve done.”

But the Bible disagrees entirely with this idea. The person who lives a “good life” has done nothing to change his standing with God. In fact, Isaiah 64:6 says that the Lord counts even our righteous deeds as “filthy rags.” However, anyone who puts no confidence in his own works, but places his hope in the finished work of Jesus Christ, enters into a relationship with the Creator God that changes the way he sees his works. Because of God’s grace, his works have significance. We are not only saved by grace, we also live by it!

So we do not fast to gain God’s approval or make ourselves look more “holy.” We are already standing in God’s grace, knowing that we are fully approved because of what Jesus has done. Instead, it is out of love and thankfulness to God that we fast. As we draw closer to him, our hearts’ desires will look more and more like His. Fasting is a good opportunity to appreciate and reflect on God’s grace. So regardless of your focus during this time of fasting, take a moment and thank God for His grace that allows you to pursue Him.

Father, we are truly thankful for the gift of your grace! May this truth transform the way we see ourselves and others. We pray that we would trust in your grace, instead of any good we might do. Instead, let our actions be out of loving gratitude to you! Remind us constantly that we are not only saved by your grace, but we live by it every day.  In Jesus name, Amen.