No Merit

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.

Titus 3:5 (NKJV)

Everyone, Christian or not, desires others to think well of them. They will do everything in their power to earn their appreciation, praise, and respect. Such a desire is not wrong, as long as it motivates us to live in a way that leads us to care for and love others. However, the weak point of all this is wanting to earn their appreciation, praise, and respect. This is where pride takes over.

God knows this sinful tendency in us. That is why no good deed, no loving attitude on our part, can earn us His grace and favor. The love God shows us comes from His compassion for us. He knows that even a good act of righteousness on our part was not done without reason. We always want to be rewarded for what we do. That is why He chose to show us His grace without our having to intervene in the process of salvation.

Not only has He saved us according to His compassion and plan, but He has also regenerated us in His own way, through the renewal of the Holy Spirit. Isn't it satisfying to know that we don't have to do anything to earn God's salvation? Imagine if we had to follow all the laws of Moses to earn God's favor. Neither you nor I would benefit from the promise made to Abraham. I would like to share one thing with you today: whatever you do, do it with all your heart to please God, not to gain anything from Him, not even His favor.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.