Grace Isn’t Permission. It’s Power.

Maybe you’ve heard it said: “God will love you no matter what.” And that’s true. But real love has boundaries. Real love calls us higher. And real grace? It doesn’t excuse sin. It empowers transformation.

Today’s blog kicks off a new series called Grace Isn’t Permission. It’s a call back to holiness. A reminder that grace doesn’t give us a license to live however we want—it gives us the power to live differently.

Let’s break it down with the Word.

1. Grace Brings Freedom—But Not to Feed the Flesh

Galatians 5:13 (NLT)
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”

This verse is written to believers. To those already walking in the freedom Christ provides. But Paul gives a warning: Don’t use your freedom to serve your flesh.

True freedom isn’t doing whatever you want. It’s being free from what used to enslave you.

2. Grace Overthrows Sin’s Power

Romans 6:14–15 (NLT)
“Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!”

Paul anticipates the lie we’re confronting today: “If I’m under grace, then my choices don’t really matter.”

But grace doesn’t give sin a pass. It declares it has no power over you.

3. Grace Trains You, Not Just Forgives You

Titus 2:11–12 (NLT)
“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.”

Grace not only saves—it teaches. It instructs. It mentors you into maturity.

If grace is working in your life, you’ll start to feel conviction in the places where you once felt comfortable. That’s not judgment. That’s growth.

4. Counterfeit Grace is Dangerous

Jude 1:4 (NLT)
“Some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago…”

This verse makes it clear: distorted grace is nothing new.

There’s a trafficking of God’s grace happening today—grace with no repentance. Grace that tolerates cycles instead of breaking them. Grace that excuses sin instead of crucifying it.

That’s not grace. That’s deception.

5. Grace Is Strength in Weakness

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.'”

If you feel weak today, that’s exactly where grace meets you. It lifts you. Carries you. Equips you to do what you couldn’t do before.

Grace isn’t passive. It’s power.

Reflection Questions:

• Have I ever used grace as a reason to delay obedience?
• Where in my life is God calling me to grow—not just be forgiven?
• What patterns have I excused that grace actually wants to break?

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for grace that doesn’t leave me where I was. Thank You for truth that convicts and a love that empowers. Help me see clearly—where I’ve tolerated what You’ve called me to surrender. Train me, shape me, and transform me by Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Explore More:
🎧 Listen to the full episode: Grace Isn’t Permission: The Truth About Love and Limits on the Soul Food Podcast