Gifts from Jesus: Grace and Righteousness

by Rick

Today we continue our series entitled “Living the Grace Life,” where we will learn to embrace and walk in God’s unmerited, unearned, and often undeserved favor throughout 2025.

Key scriptures for this year:

2 Corinthians? ?9?:?8? ?TPT??

“Yes, God is more than ready to overwhelm you with every form of grace, so that you will have more than enough of everything —every moment and in every way. He will make you overflow with abundance in every good thing you do.”

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??Galatians? ?5?:?4? ?TPT??

“If you want to be made right with God by fulfilling the obligations of the law, you have cut off more than your flesh—you have cut yourselves off from Christ and have fallen away from the revelation of grace!”

Romans? ?6?:?14? ?ERV??

“Sin will not be your master, because you are not under law. You now live under God’s grace.”

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1 Corinthians? ?15?:?10? ?CEV??

“But God treated me with undeserved grace! He made me what I am, and his grace wasn’t wasted. I worked much harder than any of the other apostles, although it was really God’s grace at work and not me.”

Additional scriptures for today:

Romans 5:17 NKJV

“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Romans 8:32 NIV 

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

Setting the stage:

The Apostle Paul had an amazing journey. He was raised as Saul of Tarsus, studying under Gamaliel, one of the most respected teachers of The Law in his time. He was, as he said, “a Pharisee of Pharisees,” trained in every detail of The Law of Moses.  This makes his revelation in Romans 5:17 even more powerful. Here was a man who knew The Law inside and out, who had spent years trying to earn righteousness through perfect performance, now declaring that both grace and righteousness come to us as gifts through Jesus Christ.

This wasn’t just theological theory for Paul – it was a complete transformation in how he understood his relationship with God. Many believers today are struggling because, like Paul before his conversion, they’re trying to earn what has already been freely given to them through Christ. As we continue our journey through 2025, learning to “Live the Grace Life,” we must understand that both grace and righteousness come to us as gifts from Jesus.  They’re not rewards for good behavior or payment for performance – they’re gifts that Jesus purchased for us with His own blood. When you truly grasp this truth, especially coming from someone who knew both systems (Law and Grace) as intimately as Paul did, it revolutionizes how you handle every situation in life.

So, what does this mean to you today?  A few things:

1. The Abundance of Grace Makes a Difference Every Day.

In addition to the scriptures we already covered, here are two more for this point:

James 4:6 NKJV

“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'”

Hebrews 4:16 NKJV

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Living in God’s abundant grace isn’t just about theology – it’s a daily reality that transforms how you handle every situation, from minor setbacks to major challenges. Whether you’re dealing with challenges with your family, in the workplace, or personal struggles, God’s grace is abundant enough to cover it all.

How this applies to you:

— When you wake up feeling overwhelmed with “today’s challenges,” remember that God’s grace for today is already waiting for you. You don’t have to earn it; it’s there before you even get out of bed.

— When you make a mistake at work or disappoint someone you love, God’s grace is there to pick you up, dust you off, and empower you to keep going. His grace doesn’t run out because you messed up.

— In those moments when your past tries to condemn you, God’s grace speaks LOUDER than your mistakes (if you are listening). The same grace that saved you is the grace that sustains you every single day.

— When facing difficult decisions or challenging relationships, you can draw from an unlimited supply of grace. You don’t have to handle it with your own strength or wisdom.

— Even in your mundane daily tasks – paying bills, making phone calls, sitting in traffic, answering emails, or handling household chores – God’s grace is available to give you peace and wisdom to handle whatever you need to do.

— When you feel inadequate for the task in front of you (a presentation at work, a difficult conversation you need to have, etc.), God’s grace provides the confidence and capacity you need in that moment.  This means that your “religion” is not just something you do on Sundays. It is a personal relationship you have with God that manifests in your life every moment of every day.

— In situations where you previously would have stressed out, snapped at others, or given up, God’s abundant grace enables you to respond with patience, wisdom, and resilience. God’s grace is amazing and it is also very practical.

2. Receiving the Gift of Righteousness Changes Everything.

In addition to the scriptures we already covered, here are two more for this point:

Philippians 3:9 NKJV

“And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.”

Romans 5:1 NKJV

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Understanding that righteousness is a gift from God, not something you earn, can also help to transform how you handle situations in life.  When you know you’re right with God because of Jesus (not because of your performance), it changes how you approach your relationships, your work, your worship, and even how you handle your failures.

How this applies to you:

— In those moments when you feel unworthy to pray (maybe you haven’t read your Bible in days or you skipped church), you can still approach God with boldness.  Your access to God isn’t based on what you did or didn’t do; it’s based on what Jesus did.  That’s why you can pray anytime, anywhere, without feeling like you need to “clean yourself up” first.

— When others point out your flaws or remind you of your past, you don’t have to defend yourself or feel ashamed. Your righteousness isn’t dependent on their opinion or approval. God has already declared you righteous in Christ, and His opinion is the only one that matters.

— During those times when you feel like a failure (as a parent, spouse, employee, or Christian), remember that your righteousness is a gift.  You didn’t earn it, so you can’t lose it through failure.  This frees you to learn from mistakes without being crushed by them.  

— In your workplace, when you’re tempted to compromise or cut corners to get ahead, your identity as the righteousness of God in Christ empowers you to maintain integrity, even when it costs you something. You’re not trying to become righteous through good behavior; you’re living righteously because that’s who you are in Christ.

— When the enemy brings up your past sins or current struggles, you can stand firm, knowing that God has forgiven you and is with you. Jesus took your sin and gave you His righteousness – it was a divine exchange that can never be reversed.

— Even on your worst day, when you feel furthest from God, you are still as righteous as Jesus because your righteousness is His righteousness. This truth gives you the confidence to get back up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward. I cannot overstate how transformative this can be to your psyche. Understanding grace and righteousness will help you live with a Godly self-esteem and mental health.

3. Living From a Position of Grace and Righteousness Is a Game-Changer.

In addition to the scriptures we already covered, here are two more for this point:

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” 

Philippians 4:13 NKJV

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Understanding your position in Christ transforms every aspect of your daily life. When you truly grasp that you’re living from grace and righteousness (not trying to earn them), it changes how you handle situations from the breakfast table to the boardroom, from Sunday worship to Saturday errands.  

How this applies to you:

— When you walk into your workplace each morning, you’re not walking in trying to prove your worth. You’re walking in as someone who is already accepted in Christ, which frees you to do your best without the pressure of trying to earn approval.  This changes how you handle workplace stress, difficult coworkers, and challenging projects.

— In relationships, if people you love turn on you, you don’t fall apart because your identity isn’t based on their approval.

— As a parent, you’re not parenting from guilt or fear. You’re parenting from the position of someone who is fully loved and accepted by God.  This frees you to extend grace to your children even while maintaining healthy boundaries. When you make mistakes as a parent (and we all do), you can acknowledge them without being destroyed by them.

— In your finances, you’re not driven by fear or lack. You’re operating from a position of having a Father who owns everything.  This doesn’t mean you’ll never face financial challenges, but it means you face them differently – with confidence in God’s provision rather than panic over circumstances.

— When you make mistakes (and you will), you don’t have to go through days of guilt and shame before feeling worthy to approach God again. You can immediately run to your Father because your position in Christ hasn’t changed.

— During worship at church, you’re not trying to get God’s attention or earn His favor. You’re worshipping from a position of being already accepted and loved.  

— This mindset (where you know you are loved and forgiven by God), changes the way you face everything.

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4. The Power of Grace-Based Living Shows Up Every Day.

In addition to the scriptures we already covered, here are two more for this point:

2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'”

Ephesians 3:20 NKJV

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”

Living under grace doesn’t mean you won’t face challenges – you will.  But grace-based living transforms how you handle everything from major crises to minor irritations.  When you understand that God’s grace is powering your life, you approach every situation differently – not in your strength, but in His.  This isn’t just spiritual theory; this is practical, everyday living in God’s power.

How this applies to you:

— When you face a seemingly impossible deadline or an overwhelming project that seems beyond your capabilities, you’re not limited to your own strength or expertise.  God’s grace empowers you to do what you could never do on your own.  

— In those moments when you’re dealing with difficult people (a challenging coworker, a rebellious teenager, a critical family member, etc.), grace gives you supernatural patience and wisdom.  Instead of reacting from your flesh, you can respond from a position of grace, showing others the same undeserved favor God shows you.  You might still feel the frustration, but grace empowers you to rise above it.

— When financial pressures mount and you’re not sure how you’re going to make ends meet, grace-based living reminds you that God’s provision isn’t limited to your paycheck. Just like He fed Elijah by ravens and multiplied the widow’s oil, He can provide for you in ways you never imagined.  

— During those seasons when you feel inadequate for what God has called you to do (maybe it’s leading a ministry, starting a business, or raising children), grace reminds you that God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. His grace is sufficient for the task ahead, even when you feel insufficient.  

— In your daily spiritual walk, when you struggle with consistent prayer or Bible study, grace frees you from guilt-based devotion. Instead of beating yourself up over missed quiet times, grace empowers you to keep coming back to God, knowing He delights in every moment you spend with Him.  It’s not about perfect performance; it’s about persistent pursuit.  All the while, resting in God’s grace.

— When facing health challenges or physical limitations, grace reminds you that God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Cor 12:9). Whether it’s chronic illness, aging, or temporary setbacks, His grace provides the strength you need for each day.  You might not be healed instantly, but you’re empowered daily.

— Even in the face of past failures or current struggles with sin, grace-based living means you can get back up every time you fall. The same grace that saved you keeps working in you, transforming you day by day. This is how we live #THEGRACELIFE.  

Declaration of Faith:

Father, I thank You that Your abundant grace meets me every morning and sustains me throughout each day.

I declare that Your grace empowers me to handle every situation – from major challenges to minor irritations – with supernatural ability and divine dignity.

I embrace my position as Your righteous child, knowing I don’t have to earn Your acceptance or prove my worth in any situation I face today.

I walk confidently in every environment – my home, my workplace, my community – knowing Your grace has already equipped me for whatever I’ll encounter.

I receive Your grace afresh for every task, every relationship, and every responsibility, knowing Your power works through my weakness.

I stand secure in my identity in Christ, free from the need to perform for acceptance or validation from others.

I live free from guilt, shame, and condemnation, knowing Your righteousness is my permanent possession in Christ.

I enter this day living the Grace Life in 2025 and I know GREATER IS COMING FOR ME!

I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

This is Today’s Word! Apply it and prosper!

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