One of the things that I wrestle with is how to balance the grace and love of God with God’s punishment. That God loves us no matter what is something I strongly believe. But I also strongly believe that God has certain expectations of how we are to live with God and others, the neglect of which has serious consequences.
In my life and ministry, I tend to “err” on the side of grace and love, and may be a bit lax on the responsibility side. That is, I suspect, because I know I am a sinner and have a deep need for God’s amazing grace.
Nonetheless, as God’s people, we are called to live a godly life. Too often this has been summed up, explicitly or implicitly, as simply going to church, reading our Bibles and prayer. I tend to view these activities as the source of nourishment which strengthens us to carry out our godly responsibility, which is nothing less than to be the heart, hands, feet, mouth of Jesus to every single person we meet each and every day. Such living, tough as it might be, is blessedness beyond words.
We praise you, Lord Jesus, for your grace. Help us follow you faithfully. Amen. —