Grace, Not Guilt, Governs My Day

Grace opens what guilt never could.

Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More by Ray Stedman, “A New Master,” on Romans 6:14
Photo Credit: Unsplash

Grace speaks a better word than guilt. Ray Stedman reminds us that when we stumble, the old reflex is to brace for distance from God, as if the Law still sets the tone of our relationship. The Law announces a standard then exposes every shortfall. Grace announces a Savior then draws near to restore. Stedman’s pastoral wisdom is simple and steady. You are not under Law. You are under grace. That reality changes how we see God, ourselves, and the road ahead.

Many of us have lived under the long shadow of condemnation. We know Romans 6:14 by memory, yet in the moment after a misstep we assume Jesus turns away. Stedman gently turns us back to the gospel. The Father understands the battle. He has already provided the way back, not by starting over in shame, but by standing in the finished work of the cross and the risen life of Christ within.

This does not minimize sin. It magnifies Jesus. Grace is not a permission slip. It is power for a new way of living. Under grace, we rise quickly. We confess without drama or self-punishment. We present ourselves to God as those alive from the dead, then keep walking. The promise stands even on ordinary Tuesdays. Sin will not be your master, because you are not under Law, but under grace.

Looking back, as Stedman did, we can trace how the Spirit has already broken chains that once kept us stuck. New battles will show up, yet the banner over our journey stays the same. Grace reigns. Jesus is near. We move forward, not by clenching our fists, but by trusting the One who lives in us.

Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

Child, I dwell in you. In My Son there is now no condemnation. You died to sin with Him, and you live to God in Him. The old tyrant has been stripped of its ruling claim, so present yourself to Me as alive from the dead, and let your members become instruments of righteousness. Abide in Me and I in you, for apart from Me you can do nothing, yet with Me you bear fruit that remains.

When accusation rises, walk in the light. Agree with Me, and receive the cleansing secured by the blood of Jesus. Draw near with confidence to the throne of grace. I am not pushing you away. I am working in you to will and to do for My good pleasure. Set your mind on the things of the Spirit, and you will know life and peace.

You are a new creation. You have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. The life you now live in the body you live by faith in the Son of God. Keep in step with Me. As you rely on Me, you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. By My indwelling you put to death the deeds of the body. Sin will not rule over you, for you are under grace. Stand in this grace and walk on with Me.

Real-Life Analogy

Think of a door that has always stuck. You used to rattle the knob and shove your shoulder into it. That was life under the old habit of condemnation. Then someone hands you the right key. You slip it in, turn it, and the door opens smoothly. Under grace, the indwelling Spirit of Jesus is the key in the lock. You stop ramming the door. You use what you have been given.

A simple example. You snap at a coworker. The old pattern would spiral into harsh self-talk or pretend the moment did not matter. Under grace, you pause and say, Lord, I trust You to express Your patience and honesty through me right now. Then you walk back, own your words without excuses, and offer a sincere apology. Condemnation does not drive you. Jesus within you leads you.

Prayer of Confidence

Father, thank You that in Jesus I am not under Law, but under grace. Thank You that when I stumble, restoration is immediate because the cross is complete and the Spirit lives in me. Today I present myself to You as one alive from the dead. Thank You that sin is not my master, and that the risen life of Jesus is my daily supply. I rest in Your nearness, I rely on Your indwelling, and I rejoice that Your grace governs my steps.

Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section

Romans 6:6 to 14; Romans 6:13; Romans 8:1 to 6, 13; John 15:5; 1 John 1:7 to 9; Hebrews 4:16; Philippians 2:13; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 5:16 to 25; Titus 2:11 to 12; Colossians 3:1 to 3; Ephesians 1:3 to 7; 2 Corinthians 5:17