Before You Achieved Anything
Love that arrived first.
On worth that predates your performance.
The big idea
God's love was not a response to anything you did, so nothing you do can withdraw it.
Opening scripture
“But God shows his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
What does “Before You Achieved Anything” walk through?
While We Were Still
Romans 5:8 · KJV
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
In plain English
But God shows his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Read The Timing
Paul is careful about sequence. Christ died while we were sinners — before repentance, before improvement, before anything that could be called deserving.
He Loved First
1 John 4:19 · KJV
We love him, because he first loved us.
In plain English
We love because he loved us first.
“You cannot earn a gift. You can only refuse to believe it was given.”
By Grace, Through Faith
Ephesians 2:8 · KJV
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
In plain English
Rescue comes from God’s kindness, received by faith. It’s not something you earn by effort.
Nothing To Repay
If it were earned, it would be wages. Scripture insists on the word gift precisely to stop us from trying to pay it back.
Pray
Father, I keep trying to deserve what you already gave. Let me receive it. Amen.
Write it down
What have you been trying to earn that was already given?
Already loved
Before the result, the job, the apology. Already.
Which passages does this journey use?
3 passages, drawn from Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:19, Ephesians 2:8. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 6 minutes for the whole thing, or 7 short sittings.
- Romans 5:8
- 1 John 4:19
- Ephesians 2:8
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in Who You Are
All Who You Are →The Mirror And The Word
Two things telling you who you are.
Your Name Is Not Your Follower Count
Being known by God, not measured by numbers.
When You Don't Fit In
Belonging that does not require blending.
Growing Up Isn't Leaving God
Faith that grows with you.
What You'd Say To Younger You
Grace, looking backwards.
Being Known And Still Loved
The fear underneath the hiding.