“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,” (Eph. 2:4)
I recently wrote a little book entitled But God. My good friend Karolyn Chapman suggested that I look at that phrase throughout the Scriptures. It was a fascinating study that demonstrated God at work in the midst of the most difficult situations. Last week we looked at man as a sinner—spiritually dead and walking after the desires of the flesh. The “but God” phrase allows us to turn the corner and begin to think our heritage in Christ.
Everything that follows is based on God’s great mercy and love. We find the same theme in passages such as John 3:16 where John tells us that God’s love resulting in the giving of His only begotten Son. God’s love is expressed in concrete action as He shows mercy to sinful mankind. The blessings described in the next several verses flow from the love of God. It is difficult for us to comprehend the depth of God’s love that longs for sinful man to be restored to His created purpose and experience all the blessings that God has planned for us.
As you contemplate this love today, would you take a few moments to thank Him for loving you while you were unlovely? Would you show this love to someone else today? Showing people love and sharing Him is the essence of what it means to follow Christ (See Splashinfo.com).
Prayer: Father, I am staggered by the greatness of Your love for me. May I show others that love. Amen.