Living in Grace

Author: Ayodeji Oludapo

Date: September 12, 2024

Scripture: "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" - Romans 6:1-2 (NIV)  

Devotional Thoughts

In continuation of our study on grace, once we have accepted the gift of grace through Jesus Christ, our journey of living in grace begins. Grace not only saves us but also sustains us daily as we walk in the light of God’s truth. However, living in grace is not a license to continue in sin; rather, it is an invitation to walk in holiness, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul addressed this very issue in Romans 6. Some believers were tempted to misuse grace as an excuse to continue living in sin, thinking that God's grace would cover everything no matter how they lived. But Paul firmly refutes this idea. He reminds us that when we accept Christ, we are also choosing to die to our old, sinful ways. Grace transforms us from the inside out, empowering us to live righteously.

Living in grace means understanding that while we are forgiven, we are also called to live a life that reflects God's holiness. Grace leads us to a higher standard of living—not out of fear but out of love and gratitude for the One who gave His life for us. Through the Holy Spirit, we are given the strength to resist sin and pursue righteousness.

Practical Reflections

Living in grace doesn’t mean that we will never stumble or fall. We all have moments of weakness and imperfection. But grace reminds us that, through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to get back up and continue walking the path of holiness.

One practical way to live in grace is to continually seek God in prayer and in His Word. The more time we spend in His presence, the more we become attuned to His will for our lives. When we feel tempted to fall back into old patterns of sin, the Holy Spirit will prompt us and guide us back to the path of righteousness.

We must also embrace the discipline of repentance. Grace doesn’t make us perfect overnight, but it does give us the opportunity to grow and change. When we acknowledge our sins and turn back to God, He is always faithful to forgive us and strengthen us to do better.

Another aspect of living in grace is showing grace to others. Just as we have been forgiven, we are called to extend that same forgiveness and kindness to those around us. Grace should flow through us, not just to us. It changes the way we interact with others, encouraging us to love, forgive, and show compassion.

Closing Thoughts  

Living in grace is a daily journey, one that requires us to depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength. It is a life of freedom from sin, not because of anything we’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done for us. As we continue to walk in grace, may we remember that holiness is our calling, and God’s grace empowers us to fulfill that calling.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the grace that saves me and sustains me each day. Help me to live in that grace, not as an excuse to continue in sin, but as a path to holiness. I invite Your Holy Spirit to guide my steps and give me the strength to resist temptation and walk in righteousness. Thank You for Your forgiveness and for the power to live a life that reflects Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.