How can we apply the principle of unearned blessings in our daily lives? Grace Came First “ ‘I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’ ” (Joshua 24:13) Israel was enjoying houses, orchards, and wells they never labored for. Their comfort shouted a single truth: every good thing begins with God’s generosity, not human merit. Recognizing Unearned Blessings Today • Salvation: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith… not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) • Daily provision: “He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good.” (Matthew 5:45) • Ongoing strength: “From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” (John 1:16) • Every pleasure, skill, opportunity, friendship, or breath (James 1:17). Why God Gives Before We Earn 1. To reveal His character—He is “abounding in loving devotion” (Psalm 103:8-10). 2. To silence pride—nothing we have is self-made (1 Corinthians 4:7). 3. To free us for obedience—secure people serve gladly (2 Corinthians 9:8). 4. To showcase His glory—gifts point back to the Giver (Matthew 5:16). Practical Ways to Live the Principle • Cultivate intentional gratitude – Begin and end the day naming three unearned gifts. – Thank God aloud when a need is unexpectedly met. • Steward what you didn’t earn – Care for your body, home, talents, and time as if on loan. – Schedule regular “maintenance” of relationships and resources. • Extend undeserved kindness – Forgive quickly (Ephesians 4:32). – Give anonymously to someone who cannot repay (Proverbs 11:25). • Rest from performance-driven living – Sabbath practices remind you that provision continues while you cease striving. – Replace self-criticism with reminders of God’s finished work. • Testify to the source – When complimented, redirect praise: “I’m grateful the Lord enabled me.” – Share stories of God’s surprising provisions with family and friends. Connecting Threads in Scripture • Deuteronomy 6:10-11—Israel warned not to forget the God behind the gifts. • Psalm 103:10—He “has not dealt with us according to our sins.” • James 1:17—Every good gift is “from above.” • 2 Corinthians 9:8—Grace empowers “every good work.” Living the Lesson Unearned blessings are not random perks; they are invitations to humility, trust, and generous living. Each time we notice a benefit we did nothing to secure, we echo Joshua’s generation: we dwell in cities we did not build, eat from trees we did not plant, and worship the God who gladly gave them. |
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