"For. To. In. Through"
We most discover the immeasurable wonder of God's grace in the Lord Jesus Christ when it flows within and through us unto God and others.
"Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
Countless opportunities to distribute to others the underserved favor of God we have received in Christ present themselves to our hearts during our earthly lifetime. "Freely ye have received, freely give" (Matthew 10:8). Our fleshly inclinations will resist as "the flesh lusteth against the spirit" (Galatians 5:17). The Spirit of the Lord Jesus nevertheless works in us to love, forgive, and bless those who seem to deserve nothing of the sort. As He moves upon the face of our hearts and enables us to walk in grace and mercy, we gaze upon the beauty of His heart as revealed in our own. Indeed, we know beyond a shadow of doubt that left to ourselves, vengeance would be our chosen response to those who hurt and offend us. Our blessed Father does not leave us to ourselves, however, reminding us of His mercy in Christ, and working in us by the Holy Spirit to reveal His delight for mercy in us (Micah 7:18; Romans 7:22). As His love passes through us to others, it may well amaze us more than it does them.
"The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us" (Romans 5:5).
The Apostle Paul's affirmation of God's love for us that came to us, dwells in us, and moves through us references a miracle of grace beyond all comprehension. Indeed, the same Christ who died for His enemies now lives in us to empower wonders of God's grace and mercy as revealed in our own bearing of crosses. Only thereby can we fulfill the command to "love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). As we trust and submit to our Heavenly Father in times when others offend or hurt us, the Holy Spirit works in us to reveal the character, nature, and way of the Lord Jesus. We find ourselves loving, blessing, doing good, and praying according to the marvel of mercy that flows in our Savior's heart and in our own. Thereby we see how good He is, and how He loves us by revealing within us the joy of His unselfish devotion to God and others. For us. To us. In us. Through us. This is the love of Christ known in "for" and "to," but most known by "in" and "through."
"Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us… The grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."
(Ephesians 5:2; I Timothy 1:14)
Weekly Memory Verse
Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
(Psalm 29:2)
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