Devotion for Monday, May 8 (Galatians Week)

We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ ... I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing (Galatians 2:15,21)

One of my favorite verses in scripture.  "I do not nullify the grace of God."  What a word of hope.

So many people live with shame, brokenness, doubt and self-pity.  These words become healing balm for our woundedness and pain.

The grace of God is greater, bigger, and stronger than our sin.  Period. Exclamation point!

If our good works can't save us, then perhaps our bad works can't damn us either.  Perhaps, just perhaps, it's God's call.  And what we know about God is that He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love!

So, as you begin this week, hear and believe these powerful and promissory words my friends,

YOU DO NOT NULLIFY THE GRACE OF GOD! 

Compassionate God, your grace and love trumps our sin and shame. Thank you! Amen.