This is one of those Scriptures that you don't hear quoted very often.  I don't think it is ever included in those cute little Bible promise boxes where you pick a verse and get a blessing.  If someone got this Scripture they would be shocked.

Paul is writing to Christians and he tells us that we, not just the non-Christians, must appear before Christ's judgment seat.  So when we appear it must be all love and grace, right?  Not according to this verse.  It says that we will receive what we sow.  At Christ's judgment seat we will receive good or evil according to what we have done, how we have behaved in our earthly life. 

Doesn't this contradict grace?  It appears to, but God's mind is so big, I think it must be a paradox.  Many write off this verse by saying that Christians will only be judged for their rewards in Heaven.  This verse, however, appears to say we will also be judged for "evil," which implies punishment.  Since there is no evil in Heaven, what can this mean?

Whatever this verse means, grace doesn't mean that our behavior doesn't matter.  As Christians we must do all we can to avoid practicing sin.  We must live a holy life.