By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Yet God was extending grace long before Jesus came to earth. It began in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve chose to turn away from God, he allowed them to suffer the consequences of their actions, but the depth of his love for those he had created would not let that be the final word. He extended the free gift of grace by promising to send Someone who could redeem, or pay for, what had been done. He fulfilled that promise through Jesus.
Good works are evidence of a growing faith in God and demonstrate the power of God's grace to transform a life. Good works bring honor to God, blessing to others, and joy to the one who performs them. But they have no power to open the doors of heaven. Remembering this truth will turn any urge to brag into an occasion for praise.
When comparing Christianity with other religions, focus on God's grace. Explaining God's free gift to you will help others understand you don't put yourself "above" them. Everyone's imperfect and therefore in need of God's grace.
Pray for grace that transforms and bears good fruit. ~ MME Team
