The Importance of Living by God’s Grace

On the other hand, my relationship with Jesus doesn’t change when I sin. Jesus is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9). Sometimes, after offering that prayer for cleansing, I’ve parked temporarily on my weaknesses and failures instead of seeing myself as Jesus does: as His beloved, forgiven child. That has created a pause in my ability to move forward. I know the error of asking Jesus to show me what’s right in my heart or to boast of any good points. Jesus wouldn’t even call Himself good, claiming that none are good—except God (Mark 10:18).

One popular Pinterest meme I posted, which describes us in Scripture as loved, redeemed, victorious, transformed, and favored, has been reposted numerous times, suggesting that many others may need the same reminder about their worth in Christ. I understand that Jesus values us. I know that just as we are saved by grace, Jesus also wants us to live by His grace.

But like other believers’, I allow my fluctuating emotions to affect my perspective. After confessing the wrong things in my heart, what do I pray next? Surprisingly, when I ask that question, I hear Jesus’s sweet whispers reaffirming what I know: I belong to Him, He accepts me as I am, and His love for me is changeless. I can rest in the knowledge that I am His and He is mine—forever.

Faith Step: This coming year, as you confess any wrong things in your heart to Jesus, remember to thank Him for His changeless love and acceptance.

Excerpted from Mornings with Jesus 2019.

Rebecca Barlow Jordan

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