On this day when we celebrate our nation’s independence and many freedoms, let’s take a moment and think about the greatest freedom of all: To walk the assurance of salvation, made available thanks to God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary. God’s grace is an amazing gift, purchased with the life of His own Son. We should never take the freedoms in America for granted. Please, please never take God’s grace for granted. A college friend once asked, “If God loves me no matter what, why not do what I want to?” I couldn’t form a reply (I was too got!), but the question hurt my heart. When people who say they love me don’t show it by treating me with respect or keeping their word to me, who only expect me to give without offering anything of themselves to the relationship, it leaves me thinking they must not love me much after all. Yes, God loves us, but if we claim to be His children, He expects us to reflect His glory. If we truly love God, if we truly appreciate His gift of grace, we’ll show our gratitude by striving to honor Him with the way we live our lives. Paul has some strong words for those who want to take advantage of God’s grace: Absolutely not!