In our pursuit to keep God’s law, we often develop our own rules, regulations, and traditions, mistakenly believing that they will earn His favor. When we impose these beliefs as standards for others, we risk losing those who might come to Jesus. We might think that by obeying laws, we can please God or earn His favor. However, unfortunately, we cannot meet God’s perfect standards through our own efforts. Even our best actions fall short. As Romans 3:20 states, “For no human being will be justified in his sight by deeds prescribed by the law.”

Realizing that we are not able to fully follow God’s commandments, like the Pharisees, we come up with more laws and traditions in order to earn God’s favor. This not only fails to benefit us but also leads us to judge and reject others, claiming they do not follow God’s commandments. Paul precisely reminds us that we are not saved by the law but by grace: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Grace is a gift, freely given and unearned. We receive favor in the sight of God through grace.

We live in a period of grace, a time that will eventually come to an end. The beauty of grace is that we are embraced by God not because of what we have done but because of what Jesus has done on the cross. The grace we receive is abundantly sufficient for our correction and growth. With the grace given to us, we also ought not to judge others but to pass this grace to them. May the dear Lord help us to realize the beauty of the grace granted to us and to live accordingly. God bless!