Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God
Before I became a new creation in Christ Jesus, anger was a way of life for me—anger so intense that it would not subside until my revenge was complete against anyone who wronged me. Taking account of a wrong suffered was a large part of my life.
But God, through the riches of His great mercy and grace, saved me and delivered me from anger and unforgiveness. There was a marked improvement in my attitude and thoughts. After observing my behavior, I thought and even said, “I’m doing so good—I’m not getting angry or vengeful.” It was not very long after that when a car cut me off in traffic, and I was fuming. My first reaction was to speed up and cut him off. “I’ll show him he can’t do that to me!”
Suddenly, the Spirit of the Lord rose up and said, “See! See what happens when you boast in your own ability. You could not control your anger before you confessed Jesus as Lord. What makes you think you can now without My mercy and grace?”
Praise God for our Counselor and Helper. He led me to the Word. When we boast, we are to boast in the Lord—boast in His grace toward us. Pride resists the grace of God. It is by grace, through faith, that we are saved, not of our works or ability, lest anyone should boast. Just think about it: not only do we have the opportunity to experience and walk in His grace now, but God intends to show us the exceeding riches of His grace in the ages to come.
We are so blessed.
Brother John
