We continue with selections from The Justification Reader by Thomas C. Oden.
Grace is a divine attribute revealing the heart of God. The disposition of God is most clearly revealed as unmerited good will, unearned favor even toward the ungodly (Romans 5:15-21)... By Grace the sovereign God freely moves toward sinners to offer reconciling forgiveness, a new birth of freedom, and adoption into the family of God... The underlying motive of God's saving action is simply stated: "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy" (Titus 3:5).
It is too much to even think about the "heart of God." And yet, that is how we begin to put some kind of words to God graciousness. It is more than love. It is more than acceptance. It is more a gift that has no equal and cannot be contained or expressed in a single action and yet it is an attempt to summarize just how much our God is "for us" and how our God bestows gifts upon us for the sake of our lives. By the grace of God we are given the fullness of this day and the power to begin again. It means rest for our restless hearts for from this grace, this gift, we are truly justified and made new.
Connection: Walk, O Favored ones, through this day as though our God is establishing each of our steps within a promise that will keep us ready for new life and pull us into the comforting embrace of God's peace.
Most Blessed God it is by your grace that we find a refuge and thus a place to begin again. As you have rescued your people in the past, you promise to stand with us and make us a people gifted by your love and compassion. We give you thanks for your gracious reign. Amen
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