Today, as we gather together, let us reflect on the boundless grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 2:8-9, we are reminded that "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."
As we go about our daily lives, it is easy to forget the magnitude of this gift. We become consumed by our own efforts and achievements, and we begin to believe that we have earned our salvation. But let us never lose sight of the truth - that it is only by God's grace that we are saved.
This grace is not a one-time event, but a continual outpouring of God's love and mercy. It is what sustains us in our darkest moments and gives us the strength to face each new day. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul writes, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
Let us, then, embrace our weaknesses and rely fully on the power of God's grace. Let us live each day in humble gratitude for the gift of salvation, and let us strive to share this gift with others.
As we go out into the world today, let us remember the words of Charles Spurgeon, who wrote, "Grace is the love of God shown to the unlovely. It is his love to the ill-deserving. It is love to the poor in spirit, the broken-hearted, the captive, the bruised."
May we be vessels of this grace, showing love to all those we encounter. And may we always give thanks to God, who is the source of all grace and love.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
