The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. (Psalm 19:7-8)

Why do people, even Christian people, think that God’s grace is a license to sin or to ignore the needs of others?

Nowhere does the Bible say, if we love God, we can abuse his grace, trample on Christ’s blood, disregard his Word, and neglect those who are poor, hurting, or disadvantaged. To the contrary, Jesus tells us, “If you love me you will keep my commandments.”

Our obedience does not qualify us for his mercy, and our disobedience does not disqualify us from it. So, why is God concerned for our behavior?

The answer is the heart that dispenses God’s grace is the same that designed God’s law. God does not save his children from sin’s disease, then encourage them to play in its traffic. His standards revive the soul, make wise the simple, and bring joy to hearts by the relationships they protect.

Those who have been trapped in legalistic observance of God’s law – thinking that they are earning his love by their behavior – sometimes swing the pendulum of obedience into license when coming into an understanding of grace. They assume that because grace grants freedom from legalism, Christ has no standards at all.

The reality is that God has established his commands in order to care for those his grace secures. Out of love for us, he calls us to walk in paths that are perfect for experiencing his love.

Prayer:
Father, as I seek your will in your Word, give me the grateful heart to walk the paths perfectly designed by your gracious heart.