“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.”
Ephesians 2:4-5
My earliest memories of church include hearing about mankind’s sinfulness. Guilt was supposed to lead to repentance, the turning away from a life of sin. Fear of judgment was used as motivation. While the Bible was faithfully preached (which I value to this day), perhaps balance was lacking in presenting both our sinfulness and God’s expansive mercy.
Through the years I have come to grasp fully that I am a beloved child of God. He is my heavenly Father. Jesus is my Good Shepherd, and the Holy Spirit is my Counselor and Guide. My response to Him comes not out of fear, but out of a secure and trusted place of acceptance. I know with certainty that I have been adopted into the household of faith.
The disciple John wrote that Jesus “came to his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, … he gave the right to become children of God” (1:11-12). If fear and guilt try to derail the peace that is freely offered, they can be laid aside as we accept His loving offer of mercy. And that’s an offer which will never expire!
Through the years I have come to grasp fully that I am a beloved child of God. He is my heavenly Father. Jesus is my Good Shepherd, and the Holy Spirit is my Counselor and Guide. My response to Him comes not out of fear, but out of a secure and trusted place of acceptance. I know with certainty that I have been adopted into the household of faith.
The disciple John wrote that Jesus “came to his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, … he gave the right to become children of God” (1:11-12). If fear and guilt try to derail the peace that is freely offered, they can be laid aside as we accept His loving offer of mercy. And that’s an offer which will never expire!
Scripture Focus
Ephesians 2:1-10
Insight
“Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus, Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free; Rolling as a mighty ocean/ in its fullness over me.” (Samuel T. Francis, 1834-1925)
Bible In A Year
- Exodus 1-2
- Psalm 26
- Mark 6
