Ephesians 3:7-13 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 3:7-13 on biblegateway.com
Verse 7Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power. Verse 8Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, Verse 9and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; Verse 10so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Verse 11This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, Verse 12in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. Verse 13I pray therefore that you may not lose heart over my sufferings for you; they are your glory.
Devotion
In this season of giving we are reminded that our true gift is the gift of God’s grace. This is not the sort of gift to hide in the closet like an ill-fitting sweater, or put on a shelf and dust off from time to time. We live in a world that longs to hear a word of grace, a world that longs to know a God who is Immanuel, God-with-us. The gift of God’s grace is meant for re-gifting!
Prayer
God of grace, give me strength and courage to proclaim in all that I say and do the good news of your gift of grace for all the world. Amen.