Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Paul is emphatic: neither faith nor salvation originate with us — they are gifts. The closing phrase, 'lest any man should boast,' shuts the door on any attempt to claim credit.
Let's not overcomplicate this: there's no test to pass to deserve grace. It's already been given; what's left is simply to receive it.
Am I still trying to earn something that was already given to me as a gift?
Today, instead of measuring your spiritual worth by what you've accomplished, thank God for grace as what it is: a gift.
Lord, thank You that I don't depend on my own works to be accepted by You. Help me rest in Your grace, not my effort.
Recommended reading: Romans 3:23-24