SCRIPTURE: Galatians 4:21-31

OBSERVATION:
Paul uses the old covenant story of Ishmael and Isaac (Genesis 16,21) to illustrate the difference between the old and new covenant, to demonstrate that God’s grace does not flow through human effort but through supernatural intervention. Nothing we do (or do not do) can change God’s feelings towards us, He freely, graciously loves and accepts us. His Spirit flows to/through those who give up trying to impress  God and simply receive His grace. Those who strive to earn it will not attain it, but those who freely accept it, receive it.

APPLICATION:
I don’t see myself as striving to earn Your love, somehow (a gift) I sense that I have it. My danger is the opposite, that I take it for granted. Does my life reflect the gratitude and wonder of God’s amazing grace? Is my freedom in Christ becoming a license to casualness toward sin, an indifference to the price He paid? Am I guilty of making grace cheap?

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for loving me despite my sin. Help me to hate the sin that killed You, and to strive to honour Your free love. Amen.