For many of us, having faith and running to Him in a time of both need and thankfulness can feel like a climb. Step by step, choice by choice, good deed by good deed, hoping we are doing enough to earn our spots in heaven. We strive to be kind, generous, forgiving, and faithful. We pray, we love, and we try to honor Him. We strive to be on a level deserving of His love and forgiveness.
Here’s the truth, though – we can’t earn our spots in heaven. Heaven isn’t a reward for good behavior. It’s a gift from God who offers grace freely through faith. We are told, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Still, that doesn’t mean that how we live doesn’t matter. While we can’t earn our spot in heaven, we can live in a way that reflects His love, His generosity, His grace, His mercy, His humility. These choices won’t secure our spots, but they do spread goodness here on Earth and grant others the opportunity to do the same.
So live like you are earning your spot. Love like you are earning your spot. Treat others like He treats you. Not out of obligation or fear, but out of deep gratitude for the love that saves us despite ourselves.
