Saving Grace

I can't imagine living without hope.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God- not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. - Ephesians 2:8-10

I think it is easier to see God's grace at work in our lives if we have little, rather than if we have a lot.

When we are able to buy whatever we need, or to live in comfort, we tend to see the opportunities and goodness that comes our way as our own doing. 

Those who have will receive  more.

But God's grace is at work in all of us, rich and poor.  He helps all who are needy, whether that need is known or not.

When goodness comes to those who have nothing, it does seem more like an act of God.  The Spirit moves us in ways we don't understand, and sometimes those actions we undertake are a help to people in need, even if we are among the people we help.

In today's reading, we are created for good works through Christ.

The way of life God has prepared for us is one of extended Grace.  What we are given, we are to give others.  How we are saved, we are to save others.

And salvation here is strange word, because it sounds like we are talking about an eternal life event, when we may just be offering a new perspective on this life.

To save someone who is living in despair, to turn them around and show them hope, is a life-changing event.

Once we have seen it happen in one life, we are addicted to love.  We will move closer to our pupose and find ways to offer that saving grace to others.

I truly believe we are all made for this work.

It is not just a one-time salvation.  It is ongoing.  And it is available for all of us to share.

More to come...