“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” ROMANS 5:8 NIV
It is amazing how God showed His love for imperfect people like us. He demonstrated it by letting His Son, Jesus Christ, die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. But what’s more amazing is that He did not wait for us to be good first. Instead, Christ died for us even when we were ungodly. This means that all our sins- past, present, and future, are all paid for in full price.
But this doesn’t stop there. Once we receive this kind of love, we are expected to persevere in becoming like Jesus and spread this love and forgiveness to the people around us. However, we cannot do this alone. We must experience God’s love and forgiveness first before we can demonstrate the love and forgiveness that comes from Him alone, especially to the undeserving.
Pray for forgiveness
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 ESV
We cannot deny the fact that we are sinners who need forgiveness. But because of the blood of Christ, we have the blessing of being reconciled with God. Before we can forgive others, we must first experience the tremendous power of His forgiveness. We are also reminded that if we are humble enough to confess our wrongdoings, He promises He will cleanse and make us pure again.
Lord, I come to you today with a sincere and repentant heart. I confess that I have sinned against You. I have been living my life on my own terms, and I know it is not what You have called me to do. I am sorry for all my lapses, my shortcomings, and for serving my own desires. Thank You, for You are the God of grace. I know that I am forgiven because of the blood of Jesus Christ. Please help me turn away from my sins completely. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pray to experience God’s love
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 ESV
Love is the greatest motivator. We always go out of our way for the people we love, even if sometimes, we do not want to do things for them. Love enables us to forgive, be kind, and so on. You see, God is love, so when we cannot find it in ourselves to love the people around us, maybe it’s time that we experience it first from the Author of Love Himself.
Father God in heaven, thank You for loving me beyond what I can ever imagine. I am unworthy to be called Your child, but still, Your love for me abounds. Your love for me is higher than the highest mountain and deeper than the deepest ocean. Father, I ask that You remind me of that kind of love. So when the time comes that I need to show it, I will be able to extend it. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pray to demonstrate grace to others
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
Grace is something given to us that we do not deserve. It was called grace when Jesus died on the cross for our sins. It is also grace that enables us to be reconciled with the Father. And it is still His grace that keeps us going today. Moreso, His grace helps us live a life that honors Him. So when we are asked to do the same to others, may we be an extension of His grace to those who are undeserving.
My Almighty Father, thank You because You are a gracious God. Your grace lives in and through us even as I talk to You. I am sorry for not being able to demonstrate grace to others as You have called me. Please help me always to show kindness and compassion. Remove all the bitterness and anger in my heart, and I ask that You renew my mind and remove every form of malice. Father, I pray to be an instrument of Your grace all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.