SHOWERED WITH KINDNESS AND GRACE
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us.
Ephesians 1:7-8a (NLT)
The first lie Satan ever told was not about God's power. It was about God's heart.
In the Garden of Eden, Satan asked Eve, Did God really say...? His goal was to make Adam and Eve question God's goodness. He wanted them to believe God was holding out on them and that His way was not the best. Ever since then, Satan has used the same strategy. When life is hard, he whispers, If God really loved you, would He let this happen?
That's why we must settle on one truth in our hearts. God is good. His heart toward us is filled with kindness and grace.
Paul reminds us that God did not merely tell us He loves us. He proved it. Jesus purchased our freedom with His blood. We were slaves to sin, unable to free ourselves, but Christ paid the price we could never pay. Because of His sacrifice, our sins are completely forgiven, and we are welcomed into a restored relationship with God.
I love the way the New Living Translation says it: He has showered his kindness on us. God is not stingy with His grace. He doesn't measure out forgiveness with an eyedropper. He pours it over us like a summer rain.
Some have called this the great exchange. We bring Jesus our guilt, shame and sin. He gives us forgiveness, freedom, righteousness and new life. What an incredible trade! We could never earn it or deserve it. It is a gift of God's amazing grace.
That's why Christianity is such good news. Our hope is not found in what we have done for God, but in what Christ has already done for us. Every day, we can rest in the confidence that our Heavenly Father is rich in kindness, abundant in grace, and always working for our good.
Application: When doubts about God's goodness creep into your mind this week, remember the cross. It's the greatest proof of God's love, kindness and grace toward you. Thank Him for the freedom and forgiveness that are yours in Christ.
Prayer: Father, thank You for showing me Your heart through Jesus. Thank You for purchasing my freedom and forgiving all my sins. Help me trust Your goodness, especially when life is difficult, and remind me each day that I have been showered with Your kindness and grace. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?