Daily Devotionals

October 25, 2021

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our sin, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

 
Ephesians 2:4-10

How are you an expression of God’s grace?
 
Having been shown grace by God in Christ Jesus, our covert mission in this world is to be the bearer of grace in our homes, in our places of work, and in our community.
 
How do we know that we have received grace?
 
Even in all those times when we failed, ruptured relationships, dismissed colleagues, and neglected those around us, blessings of help and healing poured onto us. Understanding of God comes to us in unlikely moments, revelations of His care. In humility we are given glimpses of His love.
 
So then, how do we show grace to others?

  • That person who drives you crazy—is there a moment when you can meet anxiety with calm?

  • That person who launches angry words—can you remain in God’s hand, listen, and then ask a question rather than defend and deflect?

  • Those people who let you down—is there a way you can try to understand their experience rather than quickly condemn them?

  • Those friends who are fretful to the point of immobility—is there a gentle solution you can see to which they may be blind?

Think about yesterday. I am certain you will be able to identify moments when grace was shown to you. Think about the times that could have gone badly, but instead you chose a gentler approach. God is working in you to be an expression of His grace in this world. Meditate on these verses from Ephesians and take them to heart. You ARE God’s agent of grace.

For Reflection


What are the tasks before me for which I can prepare to show grace today?

 


How can I regularly practice a pattern of grace?

Prayer


Loving God, Your purpose for me is first to worship You, in spirit and in truth. You are my God in whom I trust. I confess my awkward attempts at controlling the world around me when I should try to practice the patterns of grace. As You pour lavish grace on me, fill me with Your Spirit so that I can bear that grace today. Amen.

Mary Hoffman
Senior Music Ministry Director
404-842-5814