Unmerited Favor In Vain

We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 Corinthians 6:1

Favor is something that everyone likes. People love it when they get that special seat, are allowed to jump to the front of the line, or get a bill wiped out. It is even more loved and desired when someone has messed up and done something wrong. Everyone wants to be seen in a good light, regardless of what they have done good or bad, right or wrong.

Immediately after talking about being reconciled to God, Paul urges the Corinthians to not accept God’s grace in vain.

People in wealthy or powerful positions will occasionally give someone some special favor in order to help the person out. Handouts will be given, or they might provide a good paying job, or look the other way to overlook some wrong done. When this occurs, it is giving a person a boost or another chance at something greater with no extra expense.

Immediately most people are grateful for the favor given. However, many will soon go back to their old ways or abuse the favor being given, using it for selfish reasons and always expecting more and more favor.

Taking God’s grace or favor in vain is easy for many people. They accept His grace upon their lives in forgiving them and giving them the free gift of life but then go back to their old ways of living. As they live in their old ways, they continue to expect God’s grace upon them.

God hands out His unmerited favor out of His immense love for a person. Because of this great love and His grace, one should then strive to live for God, not use His grace in vain, just to get out of jail free.

Looking back on your life you should be able to see many times in which God has extended His grace and favor to you. His favor was given so that you can live for Him and be His witness here on this earth. Do not spit upon His grace and turn back to sin or refuse to do His work. Use His grace to grow in the Lord and to build His kingdom in your own life and in the world around you. Do not waste what God is giving you.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know God’s grace in your life; that you will use God’s favor for His glory and honor; and that you will not receive His grace in vain.

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This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Insights from Tom

About the Author

Tom Arn is happily married for 30 years to his wonderful wife Cammie. They are blessed by God with eight wonderful children and one grandchild. Tom has worked as a children’s pastor, senior pastor, and many times (and currently) as a Sunday School Teacher. He has a General Ministries degree with a Bible College. He started doing a short devotional type Bible study on Facebook in 2014, going through the books of the Bible chapter by chapter, section by section. Tom writes what he feels God is placing on his heart.

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