Daily Devotional - Make Room - WK5 - 1/29/25 - Day 29 - "Grace For Every Season"

Author: Elder Jay Wells

“Grace for Every Season”
 Scripture: Philemon 1:25 (KJV)

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”

Devotion:
Where would I be if it weren’t for the grace of God? Where would you be without the grace of God? In today’s text, Paul closes his brief but powerful letter to Philemon with this benediction of grace. It might seem like a simple farewell, but it carries a profound truth: grace is essential for living out the Christian life. Paul’s focus on grace points to its transformative power—not only in reconciling relationships, but also in sustaining us spiritually.

Paul’s letter to Philemon centers on forgiveness and reconciliation. He urges Philemon to welcome Onesimus, a runaway slave, not as a servant, but as a beloved brother in Christ. The entire letter reflects grace in action: Paul appeals to Philemon’s heart, showing how God’s grace changes relationships and elevates love above social and cultural norms. By ending with a blessing of grace, Paul reminds Philemon that the ability to forgive, reconcile, and live as a follower of Christ comes only through the empowering grace of Jesus.

The grace Paul speaks of is not a fleeting or superficial idea. It’s the unmerited favor of God, available to us through Jesus Christ. This grace he speaks of is the foundation of our salvation, offered freely through Jesus’ sacrifice. Grace strengthens us to live in obedience, love, and forgiveness, even when it’s difficult. Grace allows us to extend kindness and mercy to others, reflecting Christ’s love. Simply put, it’s His grace that saves us. It’s His grace that sustains us, and it’s certainly His grace that transforms us.

Philemon was called to demonstrate this grace by forgiving Onesimus and treating him as a brother in Christ. Just like we are called to live out God’s grace in our relationships, offering forgiveness, compassion, and love to those around us.

Saints, I challenge you today to start living in grace. You should embrace God’s Grace Daily. Begin each day by reminding yourself of God’s grace in your life. It’s not earned—it’s a gift. Then you can begin to extend grace to others. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive or show kindness to? Let God’s grace flow through you to heal and restore. And, when you feel weak, you can rely on God’s grace for strength. Whether you’re facing trials, tough decisions, or moments of weakness, God’s grace is sufficient to sustain you. Remember that grace is not just a gift to receive, but also a gift to share.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your grace that saves, sustains, and transforms me. Help me to live in the fullness of that grace each day. Teach me to extend grace to others, even when it’s hard, so that my life may reflect Your love.  Let Your grace strengthen my spirit in every situation.  In Your name. Amen.