Scripture: 

Ephesians 1:6-7 to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace

Context: 

Grace is unmerited favor.  God’s lavish grace is abundantly bountiful that we cannot fathom it.  Our intellect, personality, new life in Christ, and accomplishments, are all grace.  Food, shelter, health, moments of peace and happiness are the grace of our Heavenly Father. 

Life Story:

“My dad died suddenly, when I was seven and our lives changed.  He was a plumber and mom was a house wife, who could not drive.   In 1978, when I was 15, mama decided we needed a car.  She had two hundred dollars.  When I got off the bus, there sat an old, ugly, green Impala.  The hood and door were faded where the Forestry Commission emblem had been removed.  Nevertheless, I drove it gratefully, after the shock wore off!  A few months later, my school was selling chocolate, so I drove to Uncle Hiram’s.  He walked out wearing dirty, sweaty clothes you might see on a homeless person.  His shoes were coming apart and his toes were visible.  He lived in a dilapidated trailer by his sawmill.  He bought two chocolate bars, then became serious and asked me what I was going to do with my life.  I told him that I was going to college to become a nurse.  He said he wanted to give me some money.  I told him that he needed his money more than I did.  He said, “If you tell your mom, she won’t let you accept it.”  I asked how much money he was talking about?  When he told me, I was dumbfounded!  I asked, “Where did you get that much money?”  He said he owned businesses and he would put a check in a safety deposit box (but I didn’t really believe him!).  I went home that day and just forgot about it. Within six months, my uncle died suddenly, and to everyone’s shock, he was a millionaire.  They found the check and came to me, to ask if I knew anything about it.  I responded, in tears, “Yes sir.” Because of his gift, I became a Registered Nurse.  My Uncle Hiram changed my life for the better.  He saw something in me and I will never forget his generosity.”

— Robin Herrington

Application:   

God sees something in us - Jesus.   God completely changes our lives through the gift of His Son!  We couldn’t earn it and don’t deserve it. Our salvation cost Jesus His life and no one can take it from us!  Live life in gratitude, for God’s indescribable, overflowing grace!

Spend some time thinking about how you can give grace, forgiveness, love, mercy and kindness to others. 

Ephesians 2:8-9 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.