Mission Briefing
In Ephesians 1:7, Paul says something that should stop us in our tracks: through Jesus, we have forgiveness – and it comes from “the riches of God’s grace.” Grace means getting something good that you did not earn and did not deserve. And this particular gift? It cost Jesus absolutely everything. His life. His suffering. All of it, given so that you could be completely, permanently forgiven.
Imagine the most expensive gift you’ve ever received – something someone saved up for and gave you with so much love. Now imagine that gift being a million times more costly than that. That’s forgiveness. It wasn’t cheap or easy. But because Jesus already paid the full price, you receive it freely. You don’t have to earn it. You don’t have to be good enough. You just have to receive it with open hands.
What Does Ephesians 1:7 Mean?
Understanding what forgiveness actually cost Jesus changes the way you hold it. It’s not something to brush off. It’s the most precious thing ever given to anyone. And when you truly understand that, it also changes how you treat other people. If Jesus forgave you at such a great cost, how can you hold a grudge against a friend who said something mean? Grace received always wants to become grace given.
Mission Activity
Draw a wrapped gift box on a piece of paper. Inside the box, write one thing you are grateful to be forgiven for – something you did wrong that you’re glad God doesn’t hold against you anymore. Decorate it like the most precious gift in the world, because it is. Keep it somewhere you’ll see it this week as a reminder of what grace really means.
♥ Mission Prayer
Dear God, help me to understand what it really cost Jesus to forgive me. I don't want to take that for granted. Thank You that Your grace is bigger than any mistake I could ever make. Help me to receive Your forgiveness fully, and to forgive others the same way You forgive me. Amen.
