No one can purchase salvation. It’s not up for bid; it can only be received as a free gift from God. Even after we accept that gift, we’re bound to fall and fail, but because of His relentless grace, we’re able to get back up and continue to follow Him.

When you take “the high road”, it’s usually far less crowded. That’s because it’s not easy to admit fault and ask for forgiveness — but when we offend someone else, that’s exactly what we need to do. If we choose to follow Christ, God’s grace abounds when we confess our sins to Him with a repentant heart. But if we continue to deliberately sin, we have to be prepared to face the lasting consequences of our choices.

Aren’t you glad we serve a God Who keeps no record of wrongs when we ask for His forgiveness?! The Lord can use anyone and everyone to fulfill His purposes, regardless of our past or how often we fall short. We’ve got to let go of our own pride and insecurities and bask in the beauty of His grace and mercy — and when we do, it’s amazing what He’ll do in us and through us for His glory!

Scripture tells us that no matter how “good” a person thinks they are, we’re each lost and adrift in this world. Regardless of our status or title in life, we’re all shipwrecked and in need of a Savior. And while we’re on this “island” of a temporary home called earth, we should be using our time to share the Good News so others can find rescue, too.

Religion says we have to follow all the rules and check off all the boxes in order to earn God’s love for us. But grace says there’s nothing we can do to earn His love, and that He’s been waiting to give it to us all along! Salvation’s a free gift, and once we accept it, the best way we can respond to it is by letting Him live and work in us and through us.