We know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. (Galatians 2:16)

One of my favorite people I met early in my church ministry. Maudette had lived alone as a widow for many years.  But even in her advanced years, she tended her garden with great devotion. Her care resulted in beautiful flowers for our church each week that Maudette arranged around the platform.

When she died, a minister from Maudette’s distant family suggested that she had earned God’s favor by tending her garden for the benefit of our church. The minister was trying to be cordial, but all who knew Maudette knew the better truth she lived.

Maudette’s garden was an expression of her love for Christ — not an effort to make him love her.

Her hope was not in her flowers. Her hope was in her Savior! Like Maudette, may you have a great faith in your Savior’s love, not in any work of your own that will fade with the flowers of this earth!

Prayer: Lord, may I never imagine that I can earn your grace or favor. May my daily service to you be motivated by my gratitude for the unfading mercy you provided for me in the finished work of Jesus Christ, my Savior.