April McIntyre (England, United Kingdom)
In [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. - Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV)
I gazed up at the man in the ice cream van as he handed me the cone. It was huge, heaped with several scoops of ice cream. It had a chocolate wafer pushed into the middle, drizzles of red syrup, and a generous sprinkling of nuts. In those childhood days money was scarce and treats were limited, so this extravagant ice cream was something I never forgot.
Though I am now in my sixties, whenever I read the opening of the letter to the Ephesians about the riches of God’s grace being “lavished” upon us, excitement rises in me like a small child with a huge ice cream. I am overwhelmed by God’s love that blesses in so many ways: cleansing and empowering us, offering us acceptance and life in all its fullness. Such blessings are given not because we have worked hard or achieved something but simply because God loves us. We are God’s children, adopted into God’s family, chosen and called to follow Jesus. Whatever we have done or not done, however anxious, unworthy, or daunted by the future we may feel, God’s love and lavish grace are always there for us. All we need to do is reach out and express our thanks.
Where do I notice God’s grace in my life?
Young children
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