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A FREE GIFT
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is
not your own doing; it is the gift of God - not the result of
works, so that no one may boast.
If you have played the
board game Monopoly, you know how valuable the "get out of jail
free" card can be. It's a free gift with no strings attached and
very useful for anyone who lands in jail while playing the game.
I know a pastor who gives "get out of jail free" cards instead
of business cards as an invitation to come and experience God's
love and grace as free gifts. For those who are in a "jail" of
any kind - physical, emotional or spiritual - this is very good
news.
Ephesians 2:8-9 contains the well-known verse above. This is a
key verse in Lutheran theology, reminding us that there is
nothing we can or need to do to earn God's love and forgiveness.
We have already been saved through Christ Jesus.
The text continues in verse 10, "For we are what he has made us,
created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared
beforehand to be our way of life." Because of the incredible
gift of God, which frees us from our sins, we are prepared to
act in love to do good works as our response to God's gift. As
we have been changed by love and sent in love into the world,
let us generously and selflessly serve those in need.
Loving and forgiving
God, we are thankful for the gift of salvation, which you have
freely given to us. Increase our faith that we may respond to
your generosity by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Marlene Hallstrom
Associate in Ministry
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