April 23
Grace Greater Than
All Our Sin
"The law was given so that sin would increase.
But where sin increased, God’s grace increased even more.
Sin ruled because of death.
But God’s grace rules in the lives of those who are right with him.
The result is eternal life because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done."
Romans 5:20-21, NIrV
Kara sat on the edge of a park bench, her hands trembling as she clutched her phone. The worn duffel bag by her feet held all she had left in the world. It had been three years since she’d last seen her parents, and every one of those years was filled with regret.
She had rebelled against their strict household rules, craving freedom from curfews and expectations. But that freedom led her down a dark road. Partying turned into addiction, and addiction led to desperate choices—stealing, lying, and severing every tie to her family. When her mother called one last time, begging her to come home, Kara hung up and threw her phone into the river.
Now, she stared at a new phone, one she could barely afford, scrolling through her mother’s saved number. What if they wouldn’t take her back? She had burned every bridge and left a trail of shame behind her.
She thought about the strangers who had shown her kindness over the last few months—volunteers at the shelter who gave her warm meals and encouragement. One of them, a woman named Diana, had left her a Bible with a note inside: “Read Romans 5:20-21. Grace is bigger than your past.”
Kara read the verse that night in the shelter, the words stirring something she couldn’t explain. Could grace really cover her sins? Could it be true for someone like her?
With a shaky breath, she pressed the call button. Her mother answered on the first ring. “Mom,” Kara whispered, tears streaming down her face, “I’m so sorry.”
“Kara!” her mother cried. “We’ve been praying for you every day. Come home. Please, just come home.”
When Kara arrived later that evening, her parents met her at the door with open arms. They didn’t ask for explanations or apologies—they simply held her as she wept. Grace, Kara realized, wasn’t something she could earn. It was a gift, freely given, and it was bigger than all the mistakes she had made.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the gift of grace that is greater than all our sins.
Like Kara, I have made mistakes and felt unworthy of Your love.
But You remind me that where sin increases, grace increases even more.
Help me to trust in Your forgiveness and to extend that same grace to others.
Thank You for always welcoming me back with open arms, no matter how far I’ve strayed.
May my life be a reflection of the mercy and love You have shown me.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
