for sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. [romans 6:14]
what is this text saying?
this verse hints at how we as believers no longer have a sinful nature when we are in relationship with him. that does not mean that we are exempt from sinning. more so, it means that when we choose him, we desire him more than the things of this world. the second half of the verse confirms this. the Lord knows we will never not sin. thus, because we are in union with him, he gives us grace when we deserve the law
should we remain in sin to increase God’s grace? by no means! the good news is that we are under grace so that sin may be overcome!
just like the israelites forgot God’s grace and mercy only a few days after he parted the sea for them, we so easily forget how God works in our lives. how can we learn from the israelites? intentionally remember God’s word! there are many ways to go about remembering his word. here are a few suggestions to intentionally remember God’s word throughout the day:
- on a sticky note, write down a time in your life in which God gave you grace when it was undeserved. it does not need to be lengthy- a word or two will suffice. then, write a verse that corresponds with the situation. post the note in a place you will come into contact with throughout the day. read the verse aloud
- for those of you who are verbal processors, record a voice memo on your phone about a time in your life in which God lavished his grace on you. before you know it, you will have a library of memories to refer back to
- for those who have kids, make a conversation or activity out of it! ask them about a time in which God gave them grace. either they can verbally respond, draw a picture, write about it in a journal, or simply let them have alone time with God & encourage them to be present with God
- track your praises. often times, we go to God when we have prayer requests, but rarely do we acknowledge when he gives us what we ask for- or gives us more than what we could ask for. once a day, write down a praise that you have not thanked God for
- share one way God has given you grace with a friend. God calls us to be in community, so let’s live that out! you know how your story could impact someone else to further God’s kingdom
for from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. [john 1:16]
three times i pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 but he said to me, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” therefore i will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [2 corinthians 12:8-9]
~ angela younger