Romans 6:5-7 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁵ For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. ⁶ We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. ⁷ For one who has died has been set free from sin.

We win our freedom.

Ephesians 2:8 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

This is where a definition of unmerited favor comes into play. We won our freedom from sin by the death of Christ on the Cross. He is the gracious gift from God that by placing our faith in that effectual work, and accepting this free gift, we win our freedom from sin.

Since we have been talking about grace let it be known that while grace has its effect on our relationship with God it also has an effect in our relationship with the lost and our fellow Christians. While grace is an agent of change in us, it must be noted that it is also an agent of change in our behavior outwardly.

Luke 7:46-48 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁴⁶ You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. ⁴⁷ Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” ⁴⁸ And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Being loved by so great a love as His changes how we feel about ourselves and how we feel about others. Her behavior exceeded in love above that of His disciples. They had not thought to do for Jesus what she had done. They waited for the instructions of the master rather than listening to the love they had for Jesus.