Sin and Grace

One thing we can all agree on is that we all sin. Although we don’t like to admit, at least publicly, we all know just how unbearable temptation can be, because we all fall. We all fall every day, and still Jesus forgave us and forgives us. Still, He saves us, despite our sin.

Brethren, 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. Then as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Law came in, to increase the trespass; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Romans 5:17-21; 6:1-2

Saint Paul understood the burden of sin but never stopped fighting against it. The fight is the key. Saint Paul reminds us that God forgives us through His grace, no matter how much we sin, but that is not an excuse to give up the fight. Grace is our weapon of choice in the fight.

Some people fight with swords. Some fight with words. Christians fight sin with grace. There is a difference between ignoring that we sin, and grace. Grace recognizes sin and gives courage and hope to overcome sin. Ignoring sin brings death and destruction.

This is why the Church fights so diligently against certain lifestyle choices. While we admit we sin, giving up the fight and embracing the sin only causes more pain. Our daily struggle, soothed by prayer, fasting, and caring for others, is how we experience and share grace.

Today’s reminder from Saint Paul goes a long way toward ‘loading’ our weapons of grace. Allow grace to fill your heart not only toward others’ sin, but toward your own sin as well. Start the day committed to fighting sin. When you fall, lean on grace to get you up and back in the fight.

For a complete study on the Book of Romans, check out our Bible Study on Romans.