Daily Devotionals
july 9, 2021
Our Peachtree Church email devotionals this week, July 5-9, will be written by Peachtree’s Missions staff.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
There is a lot to unpack in this one verse and in the verses leading up to it about grace and salvation. But the words I have been pondering lately are “For we are God’s handiwork.” This phrase has popped into my mind many times over the past few weeks as I’ve interacted with others. It has challenged me to think about how I treat individuals. Do I treat them like they are God’s handiwork? I would like to think so. But when I’m in conflict with someone I love, whether it is my spouse, a family member, my children, or a friend, I confess that I do not always use this lens. These words also make me think about how I interact with people I don’t know very well or with someone I might quickly judge based on appearance or a brief encounter. When I meet others who are different from me—maybe someone living on the street, someone from a different country, or someone whose opinions I do not embrace—do I treat them like they are God’s handiwork?
Paul wrote this encouraging letter to the Ephesians to share the good news that we all belong to Christ no matter who we are, whether Jew or Gentile. Paul knew there were deep differences between these two groups. They didn’t agree on much. But God’s grace knows no bounds. No matter who we are, where we come from, whatever our skill set or background, God loves us. He created us to do good works and equips us for the purpose He has set for us. While He did not create us to be all the same, He did create us to be united.
You are God’s masterpiece!
For Reflection
How do I interact with others? Do my actions change if I know them well or not, or if they agree with me or not?
How can I encourage those around me and “spur one another on in love and good deeds”? (Hebrews 10:24)
Prayer
Lord, our Creator, we thank You that we are Your handiwork and that You created each one of us unique and different. Help us to see each other as Your masterpieces. May we be a reflection of You to everyone we encounter. Amen.
Follow Us