Day 24: Grateful for a Transformed Life!
1Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him. Ephesians 5:1-2
In today’s Scripture the Apostle Paul makes it clear that when we are living the transformed life, we will be living a life filled with love for others. Why is that so? Because Jesus is the one who set the example, and as Paul put it: “…2Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins.
If you ask anyone who is even remotely familiar with Christianity, what is the central theme of our faith, the person will most likely say, “Love.” That’s because God IS love. That’s because as Paul reminds us Jesus’ example is one of love to the ultimate degree—to being willing to sacrifice Himself on the cross to take away our sins. As we consider our gratitude for a transformed life, one of the most important reasons for our gratitude is that Jesus gave us something that no one else in all of history could ever give us—new lives, transformed lives, based on the shedding of His own, innocent, perfect blood on our behalf. The Apostle Paul was so amazed by this truth that he told the Roman Christians that God’s love is shown for us in this: 8But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8 NLT) Did you catch that last phrase? “While we were still sinners.” God doesn’t expect us to become good, or earn our salvation through works. Jesus DIED for us while we were STILL sinners! Our gratitude as Jesus’ followers starts at the MOMENT of our transformation from the old life to the new, and the way we demonstrate that transformation most clearly is through living lives of love. Remember, love as we are using it here has nothing to do with feelings. Love—agape—is a self-giving concern for the welfare of others. Love is an ACTION, so part of being transformed as followers of Jesus is serving others, showing them God’s love in action!
Questions and Comments for Reflection and Action:
To whom will you have the opportunity to show the example of Jesus’ love in your own life today? How will you show it?
Take some time right now to thank God for the transformation He has worked and is working in your life. Be specific about areas where you know God is working in your life!