A hallmark of a successful relationship that’s emotionally fulfilling is approachability. This is true with our friends and family, and even more so with God. When Jesus replaced old covenant with the new covenant, the way we relate to the Father also changed. Because we’re no longer under the law but under grace, we can rest in what God has already made true about us instead of striving to please Him.
One of the sweetest realities of grace is that God has chosen not to remember our sins anymore. This moves us from building our relationship with Him around guilt, shame, or yesterday’s failures to building them around mercy that’s fresh and finished through Jesus. When our hearts settle into that truth, condemnation loses its voice and boldness begins to rise.
Righteousness is a gift, not a reward for performance. Adam’s sin caused death to rule over many, but Christ’s act of righteousness brought a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because we’ve received an abundance of grace, we can reign in life right now; when accusing thoughts try to return, we answer them with the truth that there’s no condemnation for those who are in Christ. What makes devotion powerful is that we’re not trying to get close to God, but responding to the nearness He already gave us.
We can now come boldly to the throne of grace, expecting help, mercy, and strength for today. As we learn to live in this present world, we keep our eyes on Jesus instead of on ourselves; this produces real transformation from the inside out. The Christian life becomes lighter when we let grace do the teaching and trust Christ’s finished works. The resulting rest we find becomes the soil where faith, peace, and joy continually grow daily.
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Prayer:
Father, we’re thankful that Your grace has freed us from striving and silenced every voice of condemnation. Teach us to live each day conscious of righteousness, mercy, and Your finished works. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Scriptures:
Romans 6:14
Hebrews 8:12
Romans 5:17, 18, NLT
Romans 8:1, NLT
Hebrews 4:16
Titus 2:12, 13