Our Undeserved Favor – Part III
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:1-14
Key Verses: Ephesians 1:7-8a
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us…
Before reading any further, think of someone you would least expect to become a sincere follower of Christ. If you can accept that God loves that person just as much as He loves you, then you are beginning to grasp this month’s theme: A Lavishing God.
The word “lavishing” is central to understanding God’s relationship with His people. Admittedly, it is difficult to apply that word personally, especially when faults and failures are so visible. Yet this is precisely the challenge — embracing the truth that those very faults prove the lavish nature of God’s grace. To confidently say, “My faults prove we have a lavishing God,” is to live in the freedom that grace offers.
The Bible could have said only that God loves us. However, it goes further, describing God’s love as lavished upon us. This is not a trickle of affection — it is an overwhelming outpouring, given with full knowledge of our unworthiness. What a tragedy it would be to live a lifetime never accepting such love. What a transformation awaits when we enlarge our view of God and receive His love as it truly is — immeasurable and undeserved.
When this vision takes root, joy and peace become real, and life’s problems seem smaller. Imagine God’s unmerited favor arriving not in small portions but truckloads. Only then can we understand what it means to rejoice with “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” This joy is not shallow emotional happiness. It is a deep, unshakable confidence that God is working “all things” for good, no matter what trials come.
Such confidence and peace are the natural result of God’s lavish grace. This is the essence of the Greek word “perisseuō” — abundant, overflowing, more than enough. That is what God gives, and that is who God is.
Father, I receive Your Grace, with all its glory! In Jesus’s Name, amen.