Response to Grace

Humans are people of conditioning and we are conditioned to respond. We respond to a change of temperature in a room. We respond when we hear an infant cry. We respond when someone hurts or offends us or when someone gives us an unexpected gift. Many times we respond openly and unashamedly. Other times, we try to hide our response because of fear or embarassment. However, no matter how hard we try, it is very difficult to withhold the actual response itself.

At some point in life, every person has an opportunity to respond to God's grace. Many people respond to God's invitation to grace as if it is an extravagant gift. Others turn away in offense because they are unwilling to admit thier need for mercy.

Although everyone must respond initially, the best response to grace is one that is never ending. A healthy and maturing relationship with Christ is demonstrated by infinite responses-God continues to offer His grace and we continue to respond.

A continued response to grace is most often demonstrated by visible changes in a life. When we truly accept God's grace and are filled with the power of the Holy Ghost, the old man within us begins to die. The habits, thoughts, and desires of the old self will no longer be able to live in agreement with the identity of the new nature. They will have to find another place to dwell.

Shedding our 'old clothes' and putting on garments of righteousness is just one continued response to grace. A greater love for God, His Word, and His Ways is another. When we accept this magnificient and unimagineable gift, we will want to better know the One who gives to us so generously. Our committment to experience Him on deeper levels demonstrates a continued response to grace.

Have you accepted God's abundant grace? Has He forgiven your sins, erased your failures, and pardoned your unfaithfulness? In addition, has He blessed you more than you ever thought possible? I know that I will never be able to thank Him for all He has done for me!

What has your response to His grace looked like thus far? Was your response a momentous but one-time occurrence that hasn't required much thought since? Or are you continuing to daily respond to the grace He offers? Take a minute and reflect on your responses. What evidence have they produced in your life? Responding to God's grace is a lifelong process. Continue to respond so He can continue to conform you to His image!


The LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. Isaiah 30:18