For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them. Ephesians 2:10 NABRE
Paul in writing to the community at Ephesus is teaching them what God has done for them through Jesus. In chapter two of the letter Paul opens by telling the community that they were dead, they followed the desires of their flesh, basically their human nature, doing what made them think they were happy. But, thanks to God a new way is available, particularly because Jesus was raised up and is seated on the throne. The Ephesians, in fact anyone reading the letter and believing, are drawn in to Christ, brought back to life through the grace of God. It is by the grace of God, a free gift, that we are saved. Grace is something we don’t expect and don’t deserve that God gives to us despite our unworthiness. When we have grace we are reconciled with God and each other. When we have grace people who are not like each other, like each other. Grace is God’s oil to make everything go smoothly. Grace is what God gives so we are brought back from death to life, allowing us to live with Jesus. We are God’s creation, created in Christ, Christ dwells within us, so we do good works and are instruments of God’s glory. Despite knowing we will sin again and again God risks to give us grace to be reconciled. To live with Christ eternally.
Although we don’t deserve life, God gives it to us through grace. We are asked to do the same for others. We should not hold a grudge, point out other’s imperfections, require others to repay their debt. We should grace others so that we are like God and grow the church in God’s name. God found no reason to hold us to our imperfections, rather he freely freed us asking us to do the same.
Do you give grace to others? Can you be like God through forgiveness?
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