“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” -Ephesians 2:8-9

Grace doesn’t mean mercy. Grace is merciful, yes – but really, grace is an overflow of God’s very person. It’s an overflow of his love and favor for you. In Greek, grace is called charis – it’s where we get eucharist from. It means to be thankful and full of gratitude and joy. Do you think God is thankful for you? Charis: grace is like thankfulness. I think there’s something akin to that in the feeling God has for his children, for you and for me and that’s very good news. Did you know when Jesus was baptized he was experiencing God’s grace? He was sinless, right? He wasn’t experiencing God’s mercy. He didn’t need mercy. He was experiencing an overflow of God’s love and power. When God said this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, can I tell you, that’s what God says over you. You are God’s beloved son and daughter. He’s pleased with you.

PRAYER: Thank you, God, for your merciful grace. We have favor in you

REFLECTION: Do you think God is thankful for you?