Because Of God’s Love And Grace We Are Made Alive In Christ.
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, we live every day because of the grace you show to us. We know that your love is undeserved but given because of the grace you give to us. Help me to be an example of how to show the same grace to others. Amen.
“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So, God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-9 (NLT)
REFLECT:
In those verses, the Apostle Paul expresses the belief that we are saved through grace. It cannot be earned. It is given from God. This is a fundamental change from the idea of “earning our way into heaven.” This thought of God’s love and grace saving us is a theme that Jesus and his apostles taught throughout their time on earth.
APPLY:
Our salvation is given from God because he shows us grace and love. This is a mindset that Christians should remember and then strive to emulate in our daily lives. If we want to help walk with someone in the Lord, we must first give grace to those around us. That is…look and treat others with compassion, with kindness and love, no matter if you know them or not. And we are doing this, even though they have not earned it. That may a sticking point for some but remember that the grace from God is unearned by us, but given to us by him through his love.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, as I go through my daily life, please help me to remember the grace I should show others, that I may be an example to those who are looking for light in this world.