The Kind of People God Uses: Day Five
Day 5: Grace That Transforms
Devotional
The story of Paul, Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos ultimately points us to the greatest example of loving correction: the gospel itself. Just as Priscilla and Aquila gently corrected and guided Apollos, God lovingly corrects us through His Word and His Spirit. The gospel is God's loving correction to our self-sufficient hearts. It tells us the truth we need to hear but might not want to accept: our goodness isn't enough, our church attendance isn't enough, our Bible knowledge isn't enough, and our sincerity isn't enough. We all fall short and need a Savior. But here's the beautiful part – this correction comes wrapped in grace. God doesn't condemn us; He offers us forgiveness that's free by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. He takes our inadequacy and clothes us in Christ's righteousness. He takes our failure and gives us His acceptance. This is how God's extraordinary kingdom advances through ordinary disciples like us. We're not perfect people with perfect platforms. We're forgiven people who have received grace, and now we extend that same grace to others. We speak truth in love because we've experienced Love speaking truth to us. When we truly understand the gospel, it transforms how we relate to others. We become people who can give and receive correction with humility because we know we're all works in progress, saved by grace. We become safe people who create space for growth rather than demanding perfection. This is the heart of discipleship – ordinary people transformed by extraordinary grace, helping others discover the same life-changing truth.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing;
it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9
Reflection Question
How has experiencing God's loving correction through the gospel changed the way you offer correction and grace to others?
“The gospel itself is a loving correction.” - Pastor Mike Mura
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for Your loving correction that leads to life. Help me to remember that I am saved by grace alone, not by my performance. Use this truth to make me a person who extends grace to others while still speaking truth in love. May Your extraordinary kingdom advance through my ordinary faithfulness. Amen.