Lindabundy

“known by the fruit we bear. You try to live for Jesus, Elisabeth. I know you do.” Elisabeth scowled. “Doesn’t God want me to?” “Sure, but why?” “Daddy, I’m asking you.” Dr. LeRoy stood and stretched, and Elisabeth did the same. His yawn was contagious too, but she fought sleep. If her own mother had the same problem she did, and she had found the answer, Elisabeth would not rest until she found it too. Her father sat again. “Listen carefully, Elisabeth. Your mother finally realized what grace was all about. It means we don’t have to please God, because we can’t.” Elisabeth was confused. “You mean we’re not supposed to try to—” He cupped her face in his hands. “We try to live godly lives to show our thanks to him for grace. Nothing we can do on our own can please God. You know the verses.” “‘For by grace are ye saved through faith,’” she said, “‘and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.’” “We’re saved by the grace of God, Elisabeth. Living godly is noble. But don’t do it for any reason other than to thank God for the gift of grace. Otherwise, you’re still trying to earn his favor.”
― Jerry B. Jenkins, Though None Go with Me