But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Why did God to all this trouble? If He spoke a word and all things came into being; why did He not speak the word which would end the existence of all beings? Why would He want to make something as despicable as I and seat me in the purity and holiness of His presence?
Only so He could demonstrate the immeasurable richness of His grace. No other reason. Yes, He loves me, He treasures me, but first and foremost, I am an example of His grace.
Therefore, I am called to demonstrate the same grace, to the extent I can, towards all men, no matter how offensive I personally find them or their actions. I must remember that in God's eyes, there is no difference. When I fail, I must fall to my knees in repentance.
Today's readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 130
Mid-day: 119:81-88
Evening: Psalm 55
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Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore. A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/item/5828-2015-voices-together-weekly-devotionals. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.
