Ephesians 2:4-5 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
This time of year, I don’t have a lot of patience. I’m not very generous or understanding or loving. I’m just tired. And then God puts this verse so squarely in my path that I can’t avoid it and says, “Beth, precious child, pay attention. This message is for you.”
Ephesians 2:6-7 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
We love because God first loved us. “Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions”–transgressions such as frustration, impatience, lack of generosity, lack of understanding, lack of grace for others. Lord, I’m listening. Help me.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Precious Savior, Thank You for Your transforming grace. Thank You for stopping me in my tracks, for whispering to my heart. Help me to forgive myself and others for shortcomings. Continue to transform me in Your image. Amen.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Have a blessed day.