February 24: But God

Scripture
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) – Ephesians 2:1-5 NLT

Paul doesn’t sugarcoat the human condition. Once, we were dead. Not weak. Not struggling. Dead in our disobedience and sins. We followed the pattern of this world and the ruler behind it. We lived according to our own desires, convinced we were free, when in reality we were enslaved. Then Paul levels the ground completely: all of us used to live that way.

It is easy to forget where we have come from. Some of us may have appeared more outwardly moral than others, but Scripture is clear. Apart from Christ, we were all spiritually lifeless and separated from God. Remembering this keeps our pride in check and softens our hearts toward others. As John Newton once wrote, “I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I wish to be, I am not what I hope to be; but by the grace of God I am not what I was.”¹ That is the testimony of every believer.

Then come two of the most powerful words in the Bible: “But God.” But God, who is rich in mercy. But God, who loved us so much. Not when we cleaned ourselves up. Not when we promised to do better. While we were dead. While we were undeserving. He made us alive with Christ. Salvation is not self-improvement. It is resurrection.

When we remember that we were once dead and are now alive, it changes how we see people. We stop looking down on those still caught in sin and begin loving them with compassion. We extend the same mercy we received. May we never forget where we have come from. And may we be people who live and love in light of the grace that brought us from death to life.

Reflection
1. Have you forgotten what God rescued you from, and how might remembering it soften your heart today?

2. Is there anyone you have been tempted to judge rather than love with the compassion God showed you?

3. How would your attitude and speech change this week if you truly lived with gratitude for the grace that brought you from death to life?

Prayer
Thank God for rescuing you when you were spiritually dead and unable to save yourself. Ask Him to guard you from pride and to keep your heart tender toward those still far from Him. Pray that you would live each day in grateful awe, extending the same mercy and grace that He so freely gave to you.