February 09, 2021
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
Romans 12:3 ESV
Paul understood that both grace and faith are gifts from God. Both are needed to confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9). And grace shapes charisms (spiritual gifts) as Paul addresses to his Roman audience later in this passage. Still, if asked how grace transforms our lives, many of us would be hard-pressed to articulate tangible elements of grace at work in us.
The above verse provides one example: grace teaches us to not think too highly of ourselves and instead to use sober judgment. In other words, grace sets us free of self-absorption and grants us a realistic view of ourselves and others. Grace reminds us that apart from Christ we can do nothing and that with God’s help we can overcome anything.
Father God, thank you for your Son (who embodied grace) and for your Holy Spirit (who imparts grace). Help us to use sober judgment in all matters according to the measure of faith that you have given us. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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