What Did We Do To Deserve This?
In an old Dennis the Menace comic, Dennis and his friend Joey are leaving Mrs. Wilson’s house, their hands full of cookies. Joey says, “I wonder what we did to deserve this.” Dennis answers, “Look, Joey. Mrs. Wilson gives us cookies not because we’re nice, but because she’s nice.”
I love that. It resonates with me because that is the way God loves. God loves us not because we are good – but because God is good! In fact, the Bible tells us that we all fall short of the glory of God and that there is nothing we can do to earn God’s grace. But in spite of that, God loves us anyway.
The book of Ephesians assures us, “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…”
While we might not always deserve it, God’s grace, forgiveness, and mercy extend even to us – even now. Thanks be to God!
Let us pray: Help us, O God, to accept that we are accepted and loved. May we live out of a deep awareness of this gift – and find ways to share it with a world desperately in need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
