Rich in Grace

Comment: There is nothing we can do to earn our way into God's grace besides accept the gift of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for our sins. As if that were not enough, we are promised a seat at the table with Christ, because we are made new through his tremendous gift of grace. The least we can do is try our best to demonstrate to others the power of God's mercy.

Verse: Ephesians 2

 ⁴ But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, ⁵ 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!) ⁶ 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. ⁷ 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.
 ⁸ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. ¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Your Gift

Commentary: We all have unique personal qualities that can be used to serve others. In doing so, our service has the capacity to demonstrate God's grace. Applying what we do best to help others might provide the easiest way to open the minds and hearts of many.

Scripture: 1 Peter 4

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.