Faith and Grace in Daily Life

Tommi Kinnunen  |  The Voice of Zion February 2026 - Doctrine and Life Article --

The just shall live by faith. – Romans 1:17 

Every person who has ever lived on this earth has been a recipient of God’s goodness and gifts. These blessings are too many to count, and we cannot even begin to know them all, but some include our homes, good health, the beauty of nature, our senses and relationships. We often take many of these blessings for granted, even perceiving them as something we deserve or have a right to, but this is far from the truth. They are unmerited gifts of grace that God showers upon His creation. 

In the life of a believer, we are also recipients of these gifts. Even more importantly, we are partakers of something far greater: the gift of faith and the forgiveness of sins in our daily lives. Even as children of God, we can begin to take these precious and unearned gifts for granted. These are blessings that only God can give, and it is good and necessary for us to be reminded of that. 

The gift of faith is the most precious gift anyone can own. It is by faith in Jesus Christ that we are acceptable before God and given the promise of heaven when our journey of faith in this life has ended. What a wonderful matter it is that this does not depend on our wisdom, merit, works, abilities, or personal goodness. The Apostle Paul writes to the Ephesians, “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” (Eph. 2:8,9). 

Many times, when we attend services, we hear the Word of God explained through biblical history and God’s promises. These promises – for example that you are promised everlasting life in heaven and even the events of history – can only be believed and trusted by faith. Our human reason is incapable of accepting them as truth. The core message of the gospel is preached in faith, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and it is received and believed by faith – not by carnal understanding. 

Living by faith, even when we are not actively thinking about it, belongs to the daily life of a child of God from morning to night. The gift of having Jesus – the miracle of Christmas – dwelling in our hearts teaches and guides us in all that we do and say. Faith is a guiding light that illuminates the path we walk. 

Righteousness of life is closely connected to the topic of “living by faith.” One cannot live by faith according to Scripture while living in a way that contradicts its teaching. A child of God navigates this many times each day in temporal life. Often without realizing it, we are confronted with choices between light and darkness, good and evil, sin and obedience. Without Christ dwelling in our hearts, we would be left to weigh these opposites according to human reason, relying on our own wisdom and strength. God reminds us through Isaiah: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” (Isa. 55:8). 

If we would be left to our own devices to journey through life, we would go astray quickly. 

A child of God endeavors to live a righteous life wherever he or she may be – at home, in school, at work, in military service, or on vacation traveling far from other believers. Faith is not practiced only in certain places but at all times and in all circumstances. This is especially important to remind our youth when they gather outside the familiar settings of home and church functions. Jesus teaches us: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). 

Living a righteous life is our endeavor, and what God desires of us. Yet we also know that along the journey we fall into sin time and again. Sin clings to us, and God, through His grace, allows it to trouble our conscience so that we would put it away by hearing and believing the gospel. To live in sin while attending services and gatherings of believers is a futile endeavor. In doing so, we deceive no one but ourselves. Solomon writes: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Prov. 15:3).

In our daily lives – at work or at school – we may face temptations that go against God’s Word because it would be easier and less costly than choosing the path that preserves a tender conscience. In these times, pray that God would give strength to preserve faith and a tender conscience in the choices we make. God sees all things, and His will is that we live our lives according to the teaching of the Bible, confess our sins when we have fallen, and believe the forgiveness that is proclaimed, and make new promises to endeavor as children of God on this journey of faith. 

God is always willing to forgive the beggar of grace. Yet we must also remember that His readiness to forgive does not give us liberty to sin. Apostle Paul writes: “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid” (Rom. 6:1,2). 

Luther reminds us in the Small Catechism that each day the old Adam is drowned through repentance, and a new man arises to live before God in righteousness and purity. Most of us are blessed with fellow believers around us – angels in our midst – who are always willing to forgive a penitent sinner. When we attend services, we can also there believe the proclaimed message of the Gospel that is offered. 

Faith does not remain strong on its own, nor can we preserve it by our own effort. God has not intended us to journey by faith alone, but together, in the fellowship of believers and in the hearing of His Word. God has given us His Word and the sacraments to strengthen and keep faith alive. When we hear God’s Word, faith is renewed and encouraged. In the baptismal covenant, God through His Word promises that He will always be near a child of God. Although we baptize only once, its promise is returned to daily as we repent, believe the forgiveness of sins, and begin again. Because faith is alive, it also shows itself in daily life. Good works do not make us children of God, but they follow naturally from faith, just as fruit grows from a living tree. In this way, God’s grace not only forgives, but also teaches and guides us to live as His children.

To be in the hearing of God’s Word is always a blessing. Especially in times of trial and temptation, God offers grace through His promises to all who desire to fight against sin and their carnal portion. No matter where life takes us, God is present, seeing all things, and His grace surrounds us. In every blessing and every trial, we can journey trusting that His light guides our path, His forgiveness renews our hearts, and His presence never leaves us. May we live each day as faithful children of God, reflecting His light in all we do. 

Key Thoughts

• God’s grace is present in both temporal blessings and, most importantly, in the gift of faith and forgiveness of sins.

• Living by faith shapes daily life, guiding our choices, preserving a tender conscience, and calling us to righteousness in every setting.

• Though believers fall into sin, God continually calls us to repentance and offers forgiveness through His Word and the fellowship of believers.

• Faith is sustained not by our own effort, but through God’s Word, the Sacraments, and His ongoing grace that teaches and guides us.

Reflection Questions

1. What helps us recognize God’s gifts and blessings in our daily lives?

2. Where do we turn for guidance when we face difficult or tempting choices?

3. What has helped you when facing temptations that wound the conscience?

4. What daily practices help remind us of the gift of faith and forgiveness?