Reflection
Listen to Today's Reflection →
In general, we live our lives in a transactional way.
I go to work and then I receive a paycheck.
I drive the carpool this week and then you drive it next week.
You helped me move, so when it’s time for you to move, I’ll be there to help.
So many of our decisions are influenced by what we have received and now need to reciprocate.
And when it comes to our relationship with God, it can be easy to think it works the same way. We want his favor and protection, so we need to do the right thing or think the right way. But that’s not how it works between God and us. What sets the gospel apart from all other relationships and faith systems in the world is that while there is a transaction, we aren’t the buyer or the seller.
There was a price for our sin, and Jesus paid it when he gave his life for us. That transaction is what gives us a place in God’s family, not anything we’ve done, because there’s really nothing we could do or offer that would earn what Jesus already paid for. He took on our punishment and shame so that nothing would stand in the way of our relationship with him.
As Jesus followers, we believe in doing the right thing and in thinking the right way, but not because of what it might get for us. It’s because we are so grateful. We give, we serve, and we love from thankful hearts for what has already been done for us.
The song “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” says that he melts the clouds of sin and sadness, and he drives the dark of doubt away. We don’t have to live in fear or doubt of our standing with Jesus. He is the giver of immortal gladness who fills us with the light of day!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being so generous with your love for us. Thank you for sending Jesus to pay the price for our sin so we could have a relationship with you. Thank you for driving away sadness and doubt so we can be confident in your love for us. In Jesus’s name, amen.
