“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18
Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:1-10 and 2 Peter 3:17-18
It is autumn and leaves are falling off trees, but I do you remember the leaves coming out in the spring? Some leaves come out of buds. Little by little they uncurl and grow until every part of the leaf reaches sunlight. Likewise, God’s grace can be something that we understand increasingly as it reaches every part of our hearts and minds. Here are some common areas of growth in grace.
Many people today wrongfully believe that some level of evil is acceptable. Children know how much they can push mom and dad’s buttons before they will get in trouble. Some think that God is the same, excusing some sin. However, all sin is deserving of punishment from God.
Some people think they can repair their relationship with God by doing what they think God wants. They work hard to make God like them. However, only Jesus can repair a person’s relationship with God. Others think God forgives sinners because that’s His job. They think God owes them forgiveness, but this is not true. God gives grace because He wants to forgive and save believers.
Another common error is the belief that people are good deep down. They make mistakes and have some bad habits, but at their core they think they are good. They then think that God’s grace forgives their mistakes and bad habits. However, God knows that no one is good. Yet in His grace, He forgives believers down to their sinful core. Grow in grace.
Suggestions for prayer
Praise God for His grace to believers who deserve punishment for their sins and instead receive forgiveness, salvation and a loving relationship with God because of Jesus.
Katelyn Van Haren is a member of Redeemer United Reformed Church in Lacombe, Alberta. She received a liberal arts degree from Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario in honours accounting and is a CPA. Katelyn and her husband have five children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com