“For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:15 (NKJV)
At the start of a new year, people often make New Year’s resolutions. Have you ever wondered why that’s the case? Researchers have found that it is linked to something called a fresh start effect. And this is something that happens not just at new years, but also at birthdays and other significant holidays. There’s something special about the feeling of being able to turn over a new leaf.
To start with a clean slate, forgetting about past failures and mistakes and instead now looking forward with a renewed sense of motivation to purposefully live the way that we know we should. Now, some people are successful at least to some extent, in following through with their resolutions, but the reality is that very many do not find lasting success. That’s why, when it comes to grace and forgiveness, God has made it available to us not just once or twice a year, but every single day. God offers us the opportunity to turn over a new leaf anytime we call upon him.
2 Corinthians 4:15 says For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. Paul says here that grace causes thanksgiving to abound. And if you think about it, it makes sense. When we receive forgiveness, the natural reaction is to respond in thankfulness. It is that spirit of gratitude that goes on to play a very crucial role in us continuing down the path of repentance on to righteous living, following God in everything that we do, doing as he asks and keeping his commandments. When we recognize the incredible gift we have been given, then thankfulness and love are generated in our hearts as a response. It is one result of the process of transformation that God performs in our lives. The result is that we end up obeying him, not primarily out of fear or obligation, but out of thankfulness and love. Take a moment right now to thank God for his gift of grace.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, we can never thank you enough for your gift of grace. You give us the opportunity to turn over a new leaf simply by coming to you. Help us to respond to your grace today with the willingness to follow you completely. Amen.
By: Pastor Andrew Campbell
