February 1, 2010

By Allison Pittman

Posted in: What the Lord gave to me today...

(from Colossians 1:2)~~Grace and peace be with you from God our Father

A friend and I are reading through the book of Colossians during the month of February. It's a lovely, power-packed short book, ideal for a month's study. Right away I'm struck by his greeting: Grace and peace be with you from God our Father. I have a note in my margin defining "grace" in the context of this verse...undeserved daily experience of God's favor. Whoa. I don't see this as a matter of Paul wishing this for the people, but as a reminder that this is what they have.

I know way too many people who believe that God's grace is something that can be earned. Like a prize. You know, you're in a fight or you're playing a game, and you do everything right, so you win. You deserve that prize; you deserve that victory. But, since God's grace is undeserved, there's absolutely nothing we can do to earn it. You can't read more, pray more, do more to get more. It simply is. God's grace is sufficient and available. All we have to do is (1)accept it and (2) live our lives resting in it.

Paul's greeting wishes the people of Colosse grace and peace. The two aren't interchangeable, but they are a natural cause and effect. Accepting God's grace gives you a sense of peace. Not understanding God's grace can leave you open to fear, dissatisfaction, worry and strife.

I know that God loves me, and I know that He's not always pleased with everything I do. But His grace covers my sin; I can approach him in repentence because I know His grace guarantees my forgiveness. If I cannot earn God's grace, then I certainly can't lose it. My place in His kingdom is secure. His love for me is sufficient. Oh, what peace that brings.

February 1, 2010

By Allison Pittman

0 Comments