"The One who calls you is Faithful, and He will do it.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

“May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is Faithful, and He will do it.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

As I read these verses, I felt my eyes open. I read them again. Do you see it? GOD does the work. HE sanctifies us (sanctify is a fancy god-talk word for “to make holy, to set aside for a sacred purpose”). HE has called us and HE will make us blameless.

He does this without our help. Imagine God needing help! It’s almost comical. However, isn’t that how we think? No matter how “filled with grace” we consider ourselves to be, there is always a remnant of the point system lingering.

It’s not our fault - it’s how our daily lives are designed. Sharing your toys was rewarded. Studying hard usually meant good grades, obeying rules kept us out of trouble, being a good employee often led to promotions, etc.

Jesus turned that concept upside down. “Forgive them, Father”. We’re not totally off the hook - we are accountable for how we behave, but He has given us His Spirit to guide us, to course-correct. Many times we are responsible for our own difficulties, but God has already forgiven us, He already sees us as being blameless. He sees us in His Son.

Mind-blown! Thank you, Abba.

Written by: Bonnie Chovanec, 2026