Daily devotional · May 24
Gift, Then Work
“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.”
Paul draws a clear line: we are saved by grace, through faith, and even that faith is a gift, so no one can boast. Nothing we could earn or achieve buys our place in God's family. But the passage does not stop there. We are God's workmanship, a word that can also mean masterpiece or poem, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand for us to walk in. Good deeds are not the price of salvation; they are its fruit. Many people slide toward one of two errors: trying to earn what is free, or assuming that a free gift means nothing is asked. Paul holds both truths together. Today, receive God's grace without bargaining, and then look for one good work waiting for you, whether a favor, a visit or a word of encouragement. Do it as a thank-you.
Prayer
Father, thank you for saving me by grace. Show me the good work you prepared for me today.