Saved By Grace

September 8, 2025 at 4:00 AM

by Jennifer Amarteifio

Create a realistic high-resolution image that depicts a serene and inviting setting for a blog titled "Cultivating Faith and Relationships." The composition should be simple and clear, featuring a focal point of a Bible opened to the Book of Ephesians. Beside the Bible, place a beautifully crafted leather journal and a classic fountain pen, symbolizing reflection and intentionality.

The background should be softly blurred to keep the focus on the Bible, journal, and pen, yet evoke a cozy atmosphere. Incor

Today’s readings came from Ephesians 2:8 and 1 John 4:19. The verse I SOAP Journaled on was from Ephesians 2:8:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”

Observing the Word

Paul wrote this reminder to the church in Ephesus to make it clear: salvation doesn’t come from the law, religious works, or anything we can do on our own. It comes only through God’s grace.

A few things stood out to me as I meditated on this scripture:

Saved by grace – The grace of God is the source of our salvation.
Through faith – Faith is the channel, but not the source.
The gift of God – Salvation is not earned. It is freely given by God.

Grace, faith, and salvation are all from Him—not something we can work for or achieve on our own.

Applying It to My Life

Here’s what the Lord pressed on my heart today:

God’s grace can’t be measured. No matter how much I’ve sinned, His grace is greater.
Even my ability to have faith is a gift from Him.
Nothing I did yesterday, today, or will do tomorrow can change His love for me.

I realized that when I get caught up in “doing” ministry—checking boxes, performing, or striving—it’s easy to slip into the trap of thinking I’m earning God’s favor. But Ephesians 2:8 reminds me that grace is never earned. It’s freely given.

A Personal Revelation

As I continued to meditate, the Lord spoke something deeper:

His gift of grace is always available, but I must choose to receive it.
Every time I condemn myself for falling short, I’m actually rejecting His gift.
Everything He gives me isn’t just for me—it’s meant to flow through me to others.

This tied so beautifully to 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.” Just as God’s love empowers us to love others, His grace empowers us to extend grace to those around us.

I felt Him whisper: “As my image-bearer, model after Me. Receive My grace freely, and then freely give it to others.”

A Practical Takeaway

This week, I encourage you to pause and ask yourself:

Where have I been trying to “earn” God’s favor?
Am I carrying condemnation when God has already covered me with grace?

Write one of those areas down, pray over it, and release it back to Him. Remember—grace isn’t just what saves you, it’s what sustains you.

Closing Prayer

Father God, thank You for the abundance of grace that covers all my sin. Forgive me for the times I’ve gotten caught up in religious performance or condemned myself instead of receiving Your gift. Remind me daily of Your love, mercy, and grace that are freely given. As I receive Your abundant grace, help me extend that same grace to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

👉 Takeaway: Grace is not just something we receive—it’s something we are called to reflect.

🌿 Resources I Use

Here are a few of the tools that help me stay rooted in God’s Word during my quiet time:

Love God Greatly SOAP Journal – my go-to journal for soaking in scripture through Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.
Black Post-it Notes + Metallic Pens – perfect for writing out memory verses and keeping them in sight as reminders of God’s promises.
Bible App + Enduring Word Commentary – helpful for reading scripture in multiple translations and diving deeper into context.

These resources have been a blessing to me in studying scripture and living out my faith daily. I pray they bless you too. 💛