Grace Isn’t Earned — It’s Given

Scripture:

“‘Don’t I have the right to do what I want with what belongs to me? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ So the last will be first, and the first last.”

— Matthew 20:15–16 (CJB)

Reflection:

In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, Jesus reminds us that God’s kingdom doesn’t operate on human fairness—it operates on grace. Those who worked all day received the same wage as those who worked only an hour. To the world, that feels unjust. But to God, it reveals something deeper: salvation, mercy, and calling are not earned by time served, titles held, or how early we showed up.

This parable confronts the quiet pride that can grow in our hearts—the belief that we somehow deserve more because we’ve “done more.” God’s grace doesn’t diminish because someone else receives it later. Grace multiplied is still grace, not loss.

Encouragement:

Whether you came to Christ early in life or found Him after years of wandering, the invitation is the same—and the reward is the same: relationship with Him. Rejoice when others receive grace, even if their journey looks different than yours. God is not unfair—He is generous. And His generosity toward others does not lessen His faithfulness to you.

Stay humble. Stay grateful. And remember: you’re not working for wages—you’re living in grace.

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-Rev Carlos Figueroa

TheFreeBible.Org