For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - & this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9). When someone gives you a gift, do you say: That's very nice - now how much do I owe you? No, the appropriate response to a gift is: Thank you. Yet how often Christians, even after they have been given the gift of salvation, feel obligated to try to work their way to God. Because our salvation is a gift, we should respond with gratitude, praise & joy. We become Christians through God's unmerited grace, not as a result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice or act of service on our part. However, out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help & serve others with kindness, love & gentleness, & not merely to please ourselves, but to please God & for His glory. While no action or work we do help us obtain salvation, God's intention is that our salvation will result in acts of service. We are not saved merely for our own benefit, but to serve Christ  & build up the church. Thank you Jesus. Good morning Holy Spirit.  Prayer: Father, help us to have faith in Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith so that we can live by it & confess it in our conversation. Let our salvation result in acts of service, works of God's mercy. Give us the grace to help & serve others with kindness, love & gentleness. Thank you Jesus for hearing & answering my prayer. In Jesus mighty name we pray, & believe,  Amen. God bless you all.