At any given moment, we could all probably rattle off a list of moments where we’ve missed the mark. Some failures we can shake off, but others linger weighing us down. In the race to be good enough, our failures attach and drag us down reminding us that we aren’t (insert that quality you’ve been running after) enough.

Throughout Romans, Paul makes it very clear that we are not saved by anything we do. Our salvation is not dependent on how much we place in the offering plate, how many rules we can keep, or how many days we make it to the 9am service on time. We are saved by God’s grace and His grace only.

In Romans 4:3 Paul writes, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He put his trust in God and as a result was made right with God. We also can receive this same gift.

We don’t have to have more or do more, or be more. God says that we are enough. Just as we are, flawed and in need of grace, He takes us in. At the moment that we put our faith in God, we are made right with Him.

The Lord’s love doesn’t make sense by society’s standards. We aren’t deserving of His mercy, yet He extends it anyways. When we miss the mark,  He still loves us. Our salvation is the sole result of our gracious Father who calls us to righteousness.

As you explore the grace God has given you, consider these questions:

1. When you fail, why is it hard to extend yourself grace?
2. What is hindering you from believing that the Lord has already made you enough?
3. How can you take steps to see yourself as God sees you?

The Lord is present, walking with us everyday calling us near to him so that we might have a fuller life with Him. Are you listening to his calling today?

Romans 1:16-17 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”

In the age of social media rants, viral conversations, and platforms available to anyone – everyone seems to be voicing their opinions at every turn. Each of us enters into conversations daily, in person and online, weighing in on different topics as we see fit. But when was the last time The Gospel was the watercooler topic?

Often we safely tuck away the topic of faith and use excuses to justify not bringing it up. Maybe it’s the fear of offending someone. Or maybe it’s the fear of not having all the right answers. Whatever it is, we allow our insecurity rob us of the chance to share the Truth with others.

When Paul was writing in Romans he boldly proclaims the Gospel and gives God the glory. He had the privilege of telling the world that salvation is extended to all who believe. Not just jews, or those that were born to a priesthood, but everyone. The same gift is extended to us.

Paul reminds us in Romans of our desperate need for righteousness. At one point we were all lost in sin’s trap, but through Christ we were given new life. Our stories have been completely changed because of God’s grace. Knowing this gift is available to all, we have the responsibility to tell others of God’s work.

We don’t have to tidy up our lives or have our stuff all together to tell others about Jesus. The beauty of the Gospel is that it is not about us. All we have to do is transparently share of the Truth that saves.

As you consider the gift and responsibility, review these questions:

1. With your current platform, what are you proclaiming?

2. When given the opportunity to share the Gospel, what is the biggest obstacle you face?

3. Of the people you encounter, who is someone you can be praying for an opportunity to share your faith with?

Embrace a life marked by faith. Proclaim the Good News. May you live unashamed of the One who saved you.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.” Romans 3: 23-24

Grace. We hear this word thrown around, but how often do we pause to think about the meaning it carries? Most of the time we miss the point of true grace.

Romans 3 explains that we are saved by our faith and not through works. No matter how legalistically perfect we might be, we are saved only as a result of God’s grace. God chooses grace over merit, mercy over works, and unconditional love over earning acceptance.

Caught up in the rigidity of doing the right thing we strive to compete in the good christian race and we lose sight of grace. Falling into the trap of trying to check off a list of measures to be qualified to receive grace, we aim our purpose on being good enough. In doing this our focus turns inward and every action we take is through the lens of what we are capable of doing.

In our pride, we miss that accepting grace requires humility. The beginning of understanding grace lies in keeping our eyes on God. In discovering his character and his goodness, we can get a glimpse of the immense love that it takes to choose grace.

When we take our seat in humility, we discover a life of freedom. The exhaustion of striving towards perfection is broken. The defeat of not being good enough is dissolved.  The stress of the bounds of legalism is quelled. There is no gift as liberating as God’s grace.

As you unwrap grace in your life, consider these questions:

1. What actions are you taking that might be rooted in attempt to earn God’s approval?
2. What is keeping you from fully embracing God’s grace in your life?
3. In the light of God’s grace extended to you, is there someone in your life that you need to extend more grace towards?

Just as you are, you are enough. Today be reminded of the joy of your salvation. Find freedom in the embrace of God’s grace.