Our scripture this morning is Ephesians 1:5-8.
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 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, along with all wisdom and understanding.
Paul writes that God has adopted us, a voluntary action on His part that requires a response from us. Jesus came to show us how much God loves us and offered Himself as the payment for our sins. God wants us to be in relationship with Him, but we must accept the responsibility that goes along with it.
In order to show our love for Him, we love and care for each other, following what Jesus taught us. We offer God our prayers, praise and worship, but our love for Him is shown through our actions toward our brothers and sisters here. We must use the gifts we have been given wisely for the good of all people.
God gave up a part of Himself in order to free us from the grip of sin. We must be willing to give up our rebel ways, putting our human desires aside in order to become what He has created us to be. In giving up our selfishness we are blessed to be part of His work; called, equipped and sent into the world to show His love to everyone.
Gracious God, we are sorry for the times our willfulness interferes with our connection to You and others. We come in repentance, asking Your forgiveness. Make us whole again by Your mercy. Amen.
