ICS Daily Devotions
Reciprocate Grace

Romans 5:8 (NKJV) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

哥林多后书5:21 (NKJV) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

These scriptures revealed to us the unmerited favour of God that was extended to us, when we were still sinners and destined for judgement in hell for the sins in our lives. We are the shameful and rebellious ones, but God, just like the father in the story of the prodigal son, came forward by sending His Son to take the shame of sin upon Himself, to be hung on the cross in full view of the public and the demonic dominion to declare His love for us, choosing to forgive us by bearing the shame of sin on behalf of us. His intent was that shame would be upon Jesus so that righteousness can be upon us.

We are given the robe of Christ’s righteousness just like the prodigal son was given a new robe, and the right to become the children of God (John 1:12) just like the prodigal son had his rights restored to him to show everyone his sonship in the family. The restoration is all unmerited favour—the abundance of grace extended towards us. We are to repent of our sins just like the prodigal son repented of his wrongdoing. The father called for a celebration for the return of the son and killed the fatted calf. Likewise, the whole of heaven rejoices over the salvation of one soul who turned to Jesus.

1 John 3:16 (NKJV) By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

The Bible teaches us not to love in word but in action and in truth. Laying down our lives for the brethren is extending grace to them. We can also be kind, gracious and merciful towards those who have wronged or offended us, just like the father in choosing to extend grace to journey with the son, over the hard and authoritarian way of parenting. Obviously, the son was old enough so that nothing could change his mind, but being gracious, never ceasing to love him and choosing not to burn bridges kept the door open for the son to return to the father at the lowest point of his life.

Therefore, we should ask ourselves, “Are we extending grace to our children, our spouse, our colleagues, our neighbours, and those whom God has placed in our path?”

At times, it may seem like we may lose something by extending grace to others, but by doing it, we will experience peace, love and joy. Most people would want to know what is in it for them by doing good, but Christians are gracious and loving because we have experienced God extending grace to us.

Sermon Series: Extending Grace