2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Have you received God’s grace? If your answer is yes, then the next line of questions would be: have you allowed that grace to be wasted? Or have you cooperated with that grace?
This calls for deep sober reflection. This is because a huge majority of us like quoting Paul in justification of ourselves saying “God’s grace is sufficient for me”. True, His grace is indeed sufficient, but we seem to forget that Paul himself realized the importance of cooperating with God’s when he said ” Shall we keep on sinning so that grace may increase more abundantly? He answered, Of course not.” (Rom. 6:1). Therefore, Paul reminds us that “we carry this treasure (Grace) in vessels of clay” (2 Cor. 4:7). What that means is that we should handle this grace of God, (the Supreme Power of God at work in us) with utmost care- for it is like a precious ointment (an elixir – that which gives life) that can be easily lost if allowed to fall to the ground.
Grace is indeed sufficient only for those who would recognise and cooperate with ‘Him’. You realize that I personify grace here, this is to buttress the fact that grace is not just an abstract illusion of human emotions or feelings that come and go, rather, it is the Spirit of Christ Jesus that has been poured on all flesh by the Father.
Thus, Paul will remind us in Ephesians 4: 30 ” Do not sadden the Holy Spirit of God with which you were marked for the day of salvation.” This calls for cooperation or if you like, collaboration with Him and allow Him to destroy the works of the flesh in us- for those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its vices and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us be led by the Spirit. (Gal. 5:24-25).
It is only by this sense will God say to us : “when the time came for me to show you favour I heard you; when the day arrived for me to save you I helped you.” Indeed! Listen! This is the hour to receive God’s favour; today is the day to be saved! (2 Cor. 6:2)
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