Pastoral Devotion For July

Grace without Limit

Read 1 John 1:1-10

The speed limit sign says 55 mph, but everyone knows you can go a little faster without being pulled over. The blue lights flashing in your mirror suggest otherwise and you can’t argue with the person wearing the uniform. The truth is you’re guilty. Thankfully, the officer has authority to extend grace and let you off with a warning.

How much is our earthly life like that of exceeding the speed limit? Bending the rules, pushing the limits or those little white lies we tell seem harmless at first glance. But when we go too far the burden hardly seems worth it. As sinners, we have to face the fact that we do not always do as we should. Neither can we hide our shortcomings from the one who calls us to obedience. We’re guilty and God sees it all. Yet, there is grace.

As John writes, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” God’s law is the authority that convicts us. We can’t argue; we know we are guilty. Even so, through faith in Christ, the law also drives us to the cross where we confess our sin. God’s grace is given freely without limit. Yet, unlike the example of the officer above, there is no warning. Instead, grace comes with the promise of everlasting life in God’s kingdom through Christ the Lord.

Prayer: Forgive me Lord, pour out your mercy and grace upon me. Amen.