Nougat 21

Have you ever identified the connection between Love, Grace and Mercy? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Loved beyond measure

Grace extended

Mercy transforming…

Before this era even started, we were on God’s mind. As our Creator, God loves us and prepared all we need for our survival. God desires us and seeks to have a reciprocating love relationship with us. All God desires is that we love God in return and honor our covenant.

It’s true, we haven’t all been good about safeguarding our faith, and for each time that we yield to temptation, we should have no part with God. But, God’s plan even included a ‘forgiveness clause’, so that while we were yet sinners, Christ paid our ransom (see Romans 5:8-9). So simple yet so profound – Grace. That’s why someone said Grace is ‘God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense’.

It’s ours for the taking. And until we actually choose to receive God’s gift of Grace, it’s just there, waiting. The decision to defer our punishment until we have had ample opportunity to accept the pardon is proof of God’s Mercy. When we receive God’s Grace, its impact transforms us. And it’s the effect of God’s Mercy. Ultimately, it is all tied to God’s Love.

It is tied all the way back to the Garden where ‘through one man, sin entered this world’ (Romans 5). We messed up when we figured the relationship was to be on our terms. It was a recipe for the Great and Permanent Separation (Genesis 3). And one man challenged the prescribed fate by offering us Himself as the way back from Death. Mercy said No to the Great and Permanent Separation, Grace said Jesus Saves, and Love is why He did it.

Love, Grace and Mercy, never apart, always transforming.

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May all we seek be found in Christ