Sunday, May 5, 2024

If you were teaching a child how to respond when receiving a gift, would you encourage them to try to earn it, or to simply respond with gratitude and thankfulness?

So often, we think we have to earn God’s love and approval—his grace—but scripture reminds us that it is a gift.

Ephesians 2:8
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

As we receive this gift and realize how precious it is, our lives will begin to look different. How could they not? Such a gracious gift will leave us wanting to live in immense gratitude and shape our actions because we know we received something we didn’t deserve.

So as we conclude this series, take some time to consider how you view the Father. Is he someone who is demanding and angry, or is he someone who lavishly pours out undeserved grace and mercy if we only accept it?

Finally, consider recording your responses in a journal, whether digital or hard copy. It's a great way to be able to look back on the adventure God has you on.

Prayer:
Lord, I am not worthy of your love, and there is nothing I can do to earn the grace and mercy you offer me. Yet, Jesus willingly died as an offering for my sin. Help me accept this precious gift and live from it. Let my life shine as an example of your great love, so others may come to know you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 6:14
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

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Discussion Questions:

Icebreaker: Share a time when someone showed you unexpected grace.

Why can the concept of grace be so challenging for people to accept?

Read Ephesians 2:8-10. What surprises you the most in this passage? How are you encouraged?

How does knowing that God extended grace to you impact how you treat others?

How can you live from a place of grace?

This post was written by Kelly Pagel, the Director of the LivingItOut.