Riches

Scripture: Ephesians 1:7 "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sin, according to the riches of His grace,"

Observation: Again, identity: redemption, redeemed, His possession. Everything that Paul has said to this point is summed up in this phrase "according to the riches of His grace."

"For by grace you have been saved,... " (2:8); "to the praise of the glory of His grace" (1:6); "the dispensation of the grace of the of God" (3:2); "work, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt" (Romans 4:4); being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:24).

Application: An understanding of God's grace is important, and actually it is indispensable, to living a godly life. Lack of knowledge and application of God's grace leads to legalism, hardness, judging, criticism, impatience, anger and hypocrisy. Remembering and applying the grace of God toward me should emphasize the grace  I should be showing to others. God's grace should result in my joy!

Prayer: I desperately need your help to be loving to others. Not just in a way that does not offend, but that intentionally seeks to serve and bless those around me. I forget how much grace you have shown me, how forgiving you've been and what blessings, gifts, and love you have showered on me - all so undeservedly. Please help me to show that same grace to those around me.