When we come to understand who Jesus Christ is, what He has done for us, and what He has made possible through His sacrifice, we cannot remain indifferent. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus demand a response. There are three appropriate ways we should respond to Christ: Grace, Gratitude, and Glory.
GRACE — RECEIVE WHAT YOU CANNOT EARN
Ephesians 2:8-9
Our relationship with Christ begins with grace. Grace is God’s undeserved favor extended to humanity through Jesus Christ. We cannot purchase salvation, earn forgiveness, or work our way into God’s favor. What we could never accomplish through our own goodness, God made available through His Son.
Grace says that salvation is not about how good we have been but about how good God has been toward us. Our response is to receive His gift through faith and live in appreciation of what He has done.
GRATITUDE — APPRECIATE WHAT HE HAS DONE
Colossians 3:15-17
When we recognize the price Christ paid for our redemption, gratitude should become a natural expression of our faith. We should never become so familiar with the cross that we forget its significance.
Gratitude is more than saying thank you; it is demonstrating appreciation through the way we live. We show our thankfulness through obedience, service, generosity, forgiveness, and love toward others.
A grateful heart does not simply remember what Christ did; it allows what Christ did to influence everything we do.
GLORY — GIVE HIM THE HONOR HE DESERVES
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ultimately, our lives should bring glory to Christ. We were not redeemed simply to enjoy the benefits of salvation; we were redeemed to live in a way that honors our Savior.
Our conversations, decisions, relationships, attitudes, and actions should reflect His character.
The goal is not to make ourselves look good but to make Christ known.
CONCLUSION
Grace is what we receive. Gratitude is how we respond. Glory is where our lives should point.
We receive His grace, we live with gratitude, and we give Him the glory!
BDD
