June 10, 2013 Give Grace

Read Romans 1:5-15 Give Grace Romans 1:5-6 Through Christ and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. WHAT motivates you to do what you do? Some of the things I do are to fulfill my responsibilities in my work, to help out at home and to be in relationship with my family. I think most people do what they do for the same reasons. We use what we have to help and care for others. Paul defines his purpose in life as a result of God’s grace—“to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.” Paul was mindful of God’s gift of love and grace for his salvation. As Paul receives the grace, he extends God’s grace to call others to faith in Jesus. Paul’s purpose is to give as generously as he has received. As you work to care for others physically, you are also to care for others spiritually, offering God’s grace and love to all you meet. Keeping God “to ourselves” would be as if you took the salary we made at work and put it into a bank but never used it. Your money would do no one any good. Your family would suffer because you would not use your money for food or shelter. Keeping the Gospel to yourself is similar. No one will benefit from God’s grace gift to you if you do not share it. You’ll have personal some benefit, but you will have much more if you invest into God’s people offering God’s great love for them. Enjoy God’s gifts to you. Offer his gifts to others. It’s True! Gifts are to be given.