2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, 2:5 even though we were dead in transgressions, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you are saved! 16 – 2:6 and he raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 2:7 to demonstrate in the coming ages 17 the surpassing wealth of his grace in kindness toward 18 us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-7).
All that we give in life reflects our understanding of our state of wealth. If we believe that we are poor, then we will give meagerly. If we believe that we are rich, then likewise our charity is abundant. When we truly show grace and forgiveness to others-whether it is deserved or not-we are honestly showing what good things Christ has done in our own hearts. But just like the parable of the seed which falls by the wayside, or doesn't penetrate the soil, if our hearts do not "hear" God's love really and truly, then we will continue to think ourselves poor and lacking. Today's small group really helped open my eyes to see that I and my brothers and sisters are truly loved-everyone in the world is looking for fulfillment, and I couldn't be happier to know people that have a common understanding of the means to achieving this. The measure of love we show others is a reflection of the love we feel in our own hearts, and there is none greater than our Christ. I thank the Lord that our prayers are heard, and His abundance of grace can warm the hardest of hearts.
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