Uncommen: Resolved MysteriesSample

Grace 

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace, you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5)

Not unlike the Ephesians, I walked in the ways of the world and did everything according to the ways of the world. I did everything according to the flesh. I did everything the Apostle John told us not to. I loved my life in this world and all the things it provided: motorcycles, boats, new cars and tech gadgets. I was spiritually dead and sought the next great idea to find happiness.  

Ego prospered out of my selfish ambition and quest for admiration. Whatever I thought was best for me was the path I chose. The high-horse alter I built for myself set me up for a humiliating fall. Pride is a painful landing space. It is a horrible guide, as well. Culture and creative marketing create an excellent trap for those on this path as well. However, my trespasses and sins were many, and as the Apostle Paul shares, “God being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which loved us, even when we’re dead in our own trespasses, made us alive together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:4-5).

God’s abundant mercy changes everything. Jesus paid the price for our sins. He took the punishment we deserve. Love sent Jesus; love showers us with His grace and mercy in our time of being dead in our trespasses. Through Jesus, we are made alive. We are raised with Him, seated with Him, because of God’s love and redemptive power. That is a powerful love. We are saved by grace through His love. By grace, we do not receive the punishment we deserve. We receive salvation we do not deserve. We are given an Uncommen gift through His redemptive grace. We should be more grace-filled with this because of the gift of grace we have received.

Uncommen Questions:

Can I do a better job of giving others grace when it is undeserved?

Have I ever felt like someone should earn my grace or love?

Uncommen Challenge: Can you let your guard down and love those who are different than you for 30 days?

Scripture Verses:
Ephesians 2:4-5