IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Do Not Receive God’s Grace in Vain

Date: Oct. 25, 2026

Passage

2 Corinthians 6:1-13

6:1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says,

  “In a favorable time I listened to you,
    and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 6:13

In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.

What does it mean to not receive God’s grace in vain? Quoting Isaiah 49:8, Paul emphasizes that it is to receive God’s favor and salvation today, right now (1-2). When we respond to God’s grace, his grace immediately takes effect in our lives.

It is also to let Christ live in us in every way (3-10). When facing hardship, persecution, and bad reports, we can get discouraged and act selfishly and grudgingly. In such circumstances, Paul commended himself in every way as a servant of God. This means that he relied on God, inquired of God, and obeyed God’s direction. Then, he could respond with great patience, purity, truthful speech, sincere love, and most of all in the Holy Spirit.

Not receiving God’s grace in vain is also to open our hearts wide toward hostile and unchanging people (11-13). Though the Corinthian believers misunderstood and criticized him, Paul did not close his heart. Instead, he opened wide his heart to them and spoke to them as his dear children. This reflects the heart of Jesus, who came to sinners first, forgave his enemies on the cross, and restored Peter after his failure.

Prayer: Father, we praise you for your grace that is as wide and as deep as the ocean. Help us to receive this grace every day and commend ourselves in your presence.

One Word: Receive God’s grace today

Daily Bread

The Lord Judges the Proud

Psalm 75:1-10

Key Verse: 75:2

“At the set time that I appoint
I will judge with equity.

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