If you have an email account you’ve likely received, at one time or another, an important message from overseas. It usually has “Request for Urgent Business Relationship” or something similar in the subject line. The message informs you that, as a trustworthy person, your confidential help is needed in moving millions of dollars out of a foreign bank account. In return for your help, you are promised a handsome share of the money. Anyone who has ever responded to this appeal, known as the “Nigerian Scam,” soon receives a message that something has gone wrong, and an advance of funds is needed to process the transaction.

[You] are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Romans 3:24

Con games like this have been going on for centuries – email just makes them easier to perpetuate. Most people have become wary of “gifts” because they usually aren’t free. And many reject Christianity for similar reasons: they worry about rigid rules, judgmentalism and hidden strings attached to the gift.

As you pray for America and its leaders today, also ask the Lord to give you opportunities to show your friends, loved ones and coworkers that God’s grace is truly a gift—offered freely at Christ’s expense, not yours.

Recommended Reading: John 1:9-18