Don’t Waste Grace (2 Corinthians 6:1–2)
Have you ever wasted a gift? Maybe you left it unused on a shelf, or forgot you even had it. Paul warns the Corinthians of a far greater danger: receiving the grace of God in vain.
“As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, ‘In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:1–2).
What does it mean to receive grace “in vain”? It can mean rejecting Christ outright. It can mean procrastinating — think of the governor Felix in Acts 24. Or it can mean professing faith, but living each day in self-reliance rather than dependence on the Spirit.
Grace is not given to be shelved. It is daily fuel for endurance. Alan Redpath put it well: “Yesterday’s grace is inadequate for today’s burdens. Tomorrow’s grace will be given tomorrow. But today’s grace is sufficient for today’s needs.”
For the unbeliever, the warning is clear: don’t wait. If God is calling, now is the time to turn to Christ. Today, is the day of Salvation. For the believer, the challenge is urgent: don’t coast on yesterday’s grace. Are you drawing fresh from Christ today?
Like medicine left untouched, grace unused does not heal. But applied daily, it strengthens us to endure, to witness, and to live for Christ.
Prayer: Lord, help me not to waste Your grace. Teach me to depend on You today, and to respond quickly to Your call.