August 23, 2025

THE BEST VERSION

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.”

Galatians 5:5–6 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Paul tells us that those who live by the Spirit “eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised.” That’s a powerful promise worth pausing to reflect on.

Throughout Galatians, Paul contrasts living by the flesh versus living by the Spirit. Later in this same chapter, he will list the “acts of the flesh” and contrast them with the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:19–23). To live by the Spirit means surrendering control of our lives to the Holy Spirit, which happens as we trust in God’s promises.

When we live by the flesh—even as believers—we often drift into self-reliance. We begin placing confidence in our own efforts rather than in Christ’s finished work. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that self-discipline or outward actions can earn God’s favor.

But Paul reminds us: outward rituals—like circumcision—don’t matter. What matters is faith working through love. Faith in Jesus equips us with everything we need to do God’s will. As Hebrews 13:21 says, it is God who “produces in us, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him.”

When we walk by faith, relying on the Spirit, we live under God’s grace—and everything we need is found there. That’s why we can wait with hope for the return of Christ, who will one day clothe us in His perfect righteousness.

But this faith isn’t passive. It expresses itself in love—love for God, love for us, and love for others. As we grow in understanding God’s deep love for us, it reshapes how we see ourselves. We begin to see ourselves as worth loving, not because of what we’ve done, but because of what Christ has done for us.

When we can receive God’s love, we are freed from the guilt of our past failures, wounds, and regrets. That freedom empowers us to love others—not from a place of performance, but from a place of grace.

And here’s the beauty: when we give that same grace and love to others, we help release them to become who God created them to be—the best version of themselves.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me today to receive Your grace by faith. Teach me to accept God’s love fully—for myself and for others. Help me to walk in love, empowered by faith, and led by Your Spirit. Amen.

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