17/21 Days of Prayer
Romans 3:23 AMPC – Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives.
It is easy to think we are the only ones who sin, but this verse assures us that every man, woman, and child who was ever born, has a problem with sin.
All have sinned, but through the sacrifice of Jesus, all have been made righteous. The moment we become a believer we receive “rightness” instead of “wrongness”. The enemy wants us to live our lives feeling wrong, worthless, and guilty. These negative feelings keep us from living the life Christ paid for and actually pulls us into wrong living, instead of right living.
Galatians 5:13 AMPC – For you, brethren were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another.
In 1885 the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York and serves as a symbol of freedom for people arriving in America. Victor Frankl said, “I recommend that the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast be supplemented by a Statue of Responsibility on the West Coast.”
Often when we think of God’s grace we think of the freedom that is given, but with that freedom comes responsibility. Christ’s forgiveness does not give us permission to live our lives in any way that we wish. In fact, it brings with it a higher responsibility and accountability. Grace is continually calling us higher, while also empowering us to live the life God has called us to live. When we think about living a holy life it can feel overwhelming, and without the empowerment of grace, it is impossible.
What does it mean to live both free and responsible?
Declare: God’s grace allows me to live free and responsible.
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