Sunday 20 June, 2021

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

“a people that are his very own”(v14) . These are such powerful words – we, the church, are God’s very own, we belong to him, we are special in his eyes. Knowing I am valuable to God is so comforting, it shapes who I am.

God’s grace demands I live a life honouring to this special relationship, honouring Him (v12). To me this looks like allowing God’s amazing grace to impact and guide my thoughts, words, decisions, priorities. How I live matters, because I should live as God’s very own, shaped by his grace, bought with an incredibly high price – the blood of Jesus Christ, who gave himself for me (v14.)

Dear Lord, thank you so much that I am yours, that I belong to you. Help me live that way.

Amen

Written by Claire Moore