“Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:12-13 (ESV)
Don’t’ know about you but I often find myself struggling to remember things. Where did I put my keys? What’s that person’s name? What was I supposed to pick up from the store? It can be funny yet frustrating at the same time. All part of getting older, I guess, or maybe the result of a multi-tasking over used brain.
Leaving forgetting behind – remembering is an important concept in Ephesians 2. Paul is reminding believers of who they were prior to salvation – totally separated from Christ, alienated and having no hope. This remembrance was meant not to cause shame or guilt but to rehearse who they once were and how the blood of Jesus paved the way for them.
Being reminded of our life before Christ serves us well in many ways:
- Births deep gratitude for the gift of salvation
- Cultivates mercy and grace for those who don’t know Christ
- Propels us to be unified with Christ, His desires and will vs our old sin nature
When we actively choose to rehearse, remember and recall, we gain deep insights, praise for our God and sensitivity for those who are lost.
Do you remember your life before Christ? Perhaps you were saved at an early age….but what about those years when we didn’t pursue Him wholeheartedly? I remember them well and it’s that recall which helps me extend mercy and grace to those who don’t know Him.
Have to admit……this is my weak spot…so thankful God pointed it out to me this week. I tend to not have mercy and grace for those who live contrary to God’s way. But gently He reminded me this week….they are foreign to His ways…..they don’t have His Spirit living in them…,.they are lost. Just like I was many years ago. Desperately in need of a Savior and His forgiving grace.
Praying this week that we reflect on all God has done for us and seek His direction on who we need to extend mercy and grace to. Trusting His Spirit to enable us to recognize the struggles we see in others could be the very thing God uses to draw them back. Partnering with Him and choosing to reach out rather than withdraw. Why? Because we could be the very spark of light they need to find there way back to Him.
“Father, open our eyes and hearts to be extenders of Your grace and mercy to those we meet. Help us to release judgment and be living examples of Your love to a world desperately in need of You.”
For His Glory
Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life
trbccoffeebreak 
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