“But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.”
1 Corinthians 15:10 (NLT)
God’s grace isn’t just pardon—it’s power. Paul describes grace here as “special favor” that produces results because God works through us. If I gave my spouse a gift and they left it unopened, it would show they didn’t value it. In the same way, grace is not meant to sit on the shelf.
This chapter reminds us that if we stand firm on the Good News—continuing to believe—we will be saved. That mirrors what Jesus taught in the Beatitudes: “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” Inheritance isn’t earned—it’s received through relationship.
Paul’s humility is striking. He didn’t even want to be called an apostle, yet he endured incredible hardship for the gospel (see 2 Corinthians 11). His secret? “Yet it was not I, but God who was working through me by his grace.” That’s the gift—God’s power in us, accomplishing His will.
Today, I’m encouraged to live by that grace—not my own wisdom, strength, or abilities, but God’s empowerment to fulfill God’s purposes. Grace isn’t for selfish living or continued sin. It’s for humble hearts willing to let God’s power work through them.
Amen! Thankful for God’s grace!
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57