Receiving Grace, Not Performance

Receiving Grace, Not Performance I have a question for you. Have you ever found yourself trying to get God’s approval by what you DO, as opposed to WHO you are? I have spent seasons of my life trying to earn God’s approval through performance. I thought if I did enough right things, avoided enough wrong things, and appeared spiritual enough, I would be acceptable to God. But grace does not work that way. Grace is unearned, undeserved, and freely given through Jesus Christ. Look at this Bible account: “When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.’” (Luke 7:36-39, NIV) The woman in Luke 7 did not approach Jesus with credentials—she came with brokenness. And Jesus responded not with rejection, but with forgiveness and peace. I love His final interaction with her: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:50, NIV) This moment reveals the heart of God. Healing is not something I achieve—it is something I receive. Faith is the means by which I accept what Jesus has already made available. When I shift from performance to grace, I step into freedom. I no longer live under pressure to prove myself. Instead, I rest in the finished work of Christ. Let’s accept the healing that God offers us today!!!! Let’s pray together: Lord Jesus, I release the burden of trying to earn what You have already freely given. Help me to receive Your grace with humility and gratitude. Remind me daily that my worth is found in You, not in my performance. Fill me with Your peace. I pray this in Your powerful name. Amen. Never forget, my friend— You are a miracle! Grant Fishbook