Just because we receive righteousness by grace certainly does not mean it was free. It is free to us because someone else paid for it. Look at the hardest section of the Sermon on the Mount:

Matt 5: 38 "You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, [7] let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

43 "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, [8] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Who has done that? Who has been perfect as our heavenly father is perfect? Who prays for the person killing him? Only one has done it perfectly – Jesus himself. Jesus earned the righteousness that God dresses us with. And now when God sees us, he sees perfect obedience, perfect chastity, perfect honesty, all earned by Christ.

Jesus is also the one who earned the beatitudes for us.

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Christians receive the kingdom because Jesus left heavenly riches and for our sakes became poor. 2 Corinthians 8:9

4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Christians receive comfort for their sin because Jesus mourned without comfort.

5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Christians receive the earth because Jesus became truly meek. He was silent, as a lamb led to the slaughter. Isaiah 53:7

6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Christians are satisfied, because on the Cross Jesus was poured out like a drink offering, and cried out I thirst. Psalm 22:14

7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Christians receive mercy because Jesus received no mercy. Not even God had mercy upon him, but rather poured out the wrath of his judgment upon him for our behalf. Isaiah 53:4 and following.

8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Christians will see God because Jesus peered into the darkness and saw nothing. He was completely alone and abandoned. Psalm 69:3

9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Christians are the sons of God because Jesus has come to make peace between us and God. 2 Cor. 5:16 - 21

Grace is free, but it is not cheap. It was paid for at the cost of Jesus precious blood. God gave his son for us. We rejoice in it, but do not take it for granted.

Spend time today overwhelmed by the Grace of God.