Abuse of Grace

Have you ever known anyone who mistreats you, then apologizes for it, but turns around and does the exact same thing? For some, it’s a repeated cycle, and many feel like an apology should wipe the slate clean. Does it? Does the previous apology give rights to commit the same act again? Many Christians feel that as long as they repent, their slate is clean, therefore validating the right to keep doing the same things over and over again.

The Bible is correct. By His blood, we are forgiven of ALL our sins. No matter how big or small they might be. However, it also teaches that we must work toward never committing those same sins. It says “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) As Christians, we have to keep our guards up against temptation at all times. This is often easier said than done, but as you grow spiritually, it becomes less challenging. The Devil is always looking for new ways to tempt us by making things look good. When Adam and Eve were in the garden, the apple looked good. The snake convinced Eve why she should take a bite. Regardless of the instructions that God had given. Often times, what’s bad for us appear good, but we’re called to fight our flesh.

Repenting and asking for His forgiveness is the first step towards making our wrongs right. After that, we have to try not to keep making that same mistake. When you teach a baby to walk, they continuously fall, and sometimes hurt themselves. But you teach them to keep getting up and try again. This is how we must look at God’s grace.  He knows we’re going to fall just because we’re human, but He also wants us to keep striving for holiness and to do our best to walk in His footsteps. By continuously repenting with no intent to correct it, we’re abusing the grace He’s shown us.

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

1 Corinthians 10:12-13