Grace and Effort

Isaiah 22-24; Hebrews 12 

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”

Hebrews 12:14, 15

Right relationship with others and with God requires constant effort and attentiveness. Grace is not opposed to effort when effort is applied as a response to grace. Trying to earn grace is fruitless and without humility we can miss the grace of God to forgive ourselves and others. The evidence of grace received is holiness and peace with God and others. The absence of grace leads to little seeds of wounding, neglect, or temptation rooting in our heart and growing. The fruit of these roots is heard through our speech and seen through our actions. People are defiled by bitter roots as they take up the offenses of others and carry them. When we understand the potential damage caused by unattended seeds of sin in our heart, we too will make every effort to forgive, repent, and get right with God and others. There is grace extended to us today. Let’s not miss it!

“Lord Jesus, I receive your grace, for your glory.”