But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5
Transgression is defined as the violation of a law or command….. sin. Sin separates us from God because God will not cohabitant with evil and wrong doing. There is an antidote to this death sentence. Mercy: The forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy or other person in one’s power, with compassion, pity or benevolence. Grace is unmerited favor or goodwill.
Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus is focused on character. Man is sinful and rebellious, but God is love. There is only one reason man has a hope of life over death, light instead of darkness and that is because God is love. All we have originates from this simple foundation.
The early church in Ephesus was distracted by cultural and ethnic diversity among their numbers. They sometimes acted inappropriately and lost their vision, but God didn’t pack up and leave, He stayed with Light shining on Truth. His supply of mercy was and is infinite.
We have a staying, seeing things through, kind of God. We have full access to all His resources of love, perseverance, endurance and forgiveness toward ourselves and others.
Love,
Gretchen