Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:4
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus.
The novelist, Dr. A.J Cronin, told the following story: At the end of World War 2, Mr. and Mrs. Adams decided to open their home to an Italian refugee with the name Paul Piotrostanalsi. The Adams’ had a six-year-old son named Sammy, who became inseparable friends with Paul. Little Paul turned out to be a difficult child, and often disobeyed the Adams. One day, Paul went swimming in some contaminated water and became very ill with a high fever. The doctor suggested he slept in an attic bedroom. But little Sammy missed his friend so much that one night he crept up the attic stairs and into bed with Paul. Paul’s contagious breath fell on Sammy’s neck all night, and in the morning, Sammy, never a strong child, became deathly ill. Paul recovered his health, but Sammy died within three days. It was a terrible tragedy for the Adam’s family.
But as Dr. Cronin pulled into their driveway weeks later, he was amazed and then angry as he saw Paul, the refugee boy, working in the garden with Mr. Adams. He got out of his car and angrily approached Mr. Adams. “What’s this Paul Pio… whatever his name is, doing here after what he did to your family?” Mr. Adams looked at the doctor and then said quietly, “Dr. Cronin, you won’t have any more trouble with Paul’s name. You see, he’s Paul Adams now. We’ve adopted him.” Dr. A.J Cronin met firsthand, a vivid illustration of God’s grace.
The grace of God is simply unfathomable. Jesus, His Son, was led to an excruciating death by, and on behalf of our sins. But not only did God forgive the multitude of our transgressions; He went one step further and adopted us as sons. The wonder of grace is that nothing qualifies us for God’s benevolence. If there is anything we were qualified for, it was judgement and condemnation. Grace saved us in spite of ourselves, and our primary response can only be gratitude. Even in human relations, a gift, most especially when it is undeserved, is often met with expressions of gratitude from the receiver. So why not take out time this morning to specially say thank you to God for His saving grace. Better still, why not make it a habit to be grateful to God for His grace that saved and sustains us? Let the grace of God reassure you today of His unfailing love and care. By grace we stand blameless before the Lord, in Christ Jesus. So let us be grateful as recipients of God’s unfathomable grace, and let us be confident as sons in His house.
Memorise & Meditate:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
Prayer/Confession:
Father, I am grateful for Your grace. I thank You for the gift of salvation in Christ Jesus. I rejoice in Your grace. Thank You, Lord, in Jesus’ name.
