Grace is the Starting Point – How Should We Respond?

Right off the bat in Romans, Paul tells us grace is the starting point! The Greek word here translated “grace” is charis and it means a gift, blessing, or favor freely offered by Jesus. God’s grace provides all we need to accomplish His purpose and it has been freely and generously given to us by Jesus.

Along with the grace to accomplish His purpose, we have been commissioned and sent to spread the gospel and make disciples. We are called to grow in our faith and to share it with others so they can grow, too. The Apostle Paul lived this out. He surrendered his life to Christ and everywhere he went he told people his story and pointed them to Jesus.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

If grace is the starting point and Jesus freely gives it, how should we respond?

Live our lives all-in for Jesus.

If we don’t walk the walk, no one will want to hear us talk the talk. Are we different? Do we stand out (in a good way) or do we blend in? During these crazy times, is there a light in us that shines brighter than the darkness around us? Jesus has given us the grace we need to fully live out our faith.

Tell people our story.

The Apostle Peter said we must always be ready with an answer for the hope within us. People not only need to see that we’re different, but they also need to hear why. My pastor recently shared a simple way we can share our testimony: “I was… But then… And now…” Everyone’s “I was” is different, yet we all share the same “but then”. Jesus changed our lives, and He can do that for anyone who trusts in Him for salvation. Trust God for the opportunities, the boldness, the words, and the outcome.

Disciple and be discipled.

Be in community with other Christians. Help each other grow by sharing what we’ve learned and experienced. Encourage each other to read the Bible, pray, and go to church. Be godly examples and humble learners. As Christ-followers, our lives should consist of both being discipled and discipling others.

Remember, we are not on our own in this. Jesus has promised to be with us every step of the way if we abide in Him. Surrender your life to Jesus. Live boldly for Him and trust Him with the outcome.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV

Lord, thank you for the opportunities you give me to share the gospel and disciple others. Thank you also for the many people throughout my life who have fed into my faith and helped me grow. I pray for continued opportunities to partner with you in the expansion of Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today’s verses: Romans 1:1-5