Romans 5:17, 20 English Standard Version

17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,

These three things will never decrease, God’s love, sin and grace. God’s love is included here because of the sacrifice offered by Jesus Christ. (God so loved)

Sin is stuck in the middle of love and race much like we are stuck in this life between our salvation moment and our death. Sin is still present in our lives. Not that it rules and regions in our lives any longer but it is still present. (1 John 1:8)

Hebrews 4:16 English Standard Version (ESV) Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Finding grace when we need it sounds like we don’t have it without looking for it. It is like using up grace like drinking the last drop from the cup. That is the effect of sin around us, even if we haven’t given into it. Its presence is enough to cause us to feel lacking in grace.

At least we know where to find grace when we need it. Draw near to the throne of grace to receive more grace. The real problem for us is in the image of sin separating us from the love of God. 

Romans 8:38-39 English Standard Version

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We believe this but do we always remember it when sin keeps tapping into our very human emotions? God gave us the ability to feel with purpose. He understands that and makes grace abundantly available to cover our weaknesses.

We do not need to sin to refill our cup with grace. Don’t wait until it is too late.

Colossians 4:5-6 English Standard Version

5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

We walk with Jesus and towards those outside the body of Christ whom we encounter because He is seeking more and more of His bride to be. We do not know which ones will accept the gospel message but He does. It is wisdom on our part that does not frighten them away.

Ephesians 2:8 English Standard Version (ESV) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Grace is often taught as an unmerited favor. If we lead with that thought, the mind of those outside Christ, those who have been told to earn their way in the world, they will not connect their sinful condition with the free will offering that Christ made. They are looking for a way to earn salvation, if they even think it is possible.

Wisdom asks those outside the body of Christ what they think about what they have heard about Christ. It is our part to dispel half truths and lies, to speak truth in love. Those who are lost will question why we are making an offer of salvation that we do not control.

How we answer each person has to begin with listening to them and to get them talking we must first endear ourselves to them in order to allow them the freedom to express their minds, doubts and fears.

How can we season our speech so that it makes our words acceptable? Judgment must be removed and replaced with understanding. That takes us back to a place we ourselves have been, searching for something more than what we had at the time. Make the connection with the pre-salvation conditions that led us to accept the free gift.

We were no different than they are now. So what changed in us that will give hope to them that their unhappiness can be turned to joy? 

People will open up about what is right in their lives before they become honest about those things that make them uncomfortable with themselves. They will not open up to us until they feel they can trust us with that information. That takes time.

The first century church was looking for Christ to return immediately. Nearly 2000 years later we might feel exactly the same but we must not allow those feelings of urgency to sour our speech. Season our speech with grace, which is more than just unmerited favor.