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We are accepted by God because of His grace, on the basis of faith through the work of Christ. There is nothing we can do to make ourselves acceptable to God - we come with empty hands to receive the gift of His forgiveness and love. Having established this, there is much work for us to do. 

Look at Ephesians 2.8-10

...it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

One of the works God has called His children to is getting along with other Christians. Three times in the New Testament we are told to ‘make every effort’ in our relationships with one another (Rom 14.19, Eph 4.3, Heb 12.14). 

We are all a work in progress, from different backgrounds, with different personalities, so it really does require effort. Our differences, however, make the end result all the more remarkable for all to see, like a beautiful stonework building.

…you...are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit (Eph 2.22)

What efforts might the Lord be calling you to make as a person of grace in the family of God?

 

Prayer and Praise

Revelation 1:17

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last.

  • Lord may we be people who fall at Your feet knowing You are indeed the first and the last, the Lord Almighty.
  • Thank You Lord for the gathering of Pastors over a few days this week, for the encouragement they would have received from Your word and from each other.
  • Please pray for these Regional Pastors and the churches they serve, for God’s wisdom and compassion in all their circumstances.
  • For those we are aware of who are hurting for all sorts of reasons.