Text: Ephesians 2:1-5

THE RICHNESS OF MERCY FROM A GREAT LOVE

The recently concluded YAG Retreat gave us a precious hope that we can be partakers of the divine nature. The Retreat also gave a stark reminder of how we have to beware our terrible sin nature. Paul wrote concerning this in his epistle to the Ephesians church. He reminded them how they once walked according to the course of the world and according of the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:1-2).

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ…” Ephesians 2:4-5

One of his purposes in reminding the church was so that they may never lose the sense of appreciation of God’s mercy. Mercy is such a beautiful word especially to those who recognise that they are deserving of death. Paul rightly qualifies that all were once dead in trespasses. But God bestowed upon man His rich mercy. Why would God extend his mercy towards sinful man? The answer is to be found in His great love. The mercy of God is traced to the love of God. How wonderful to know that God loves us so much. The depth of man’s sins offers a backdrop that enables us to appreciate the great mercy and love of God. And all these have been poured into our lives that we may be made alive together with Christ! May we never take the mercy and the love of God for granted. May we seek to live in deep appreciation of our salvation.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Intern-Pastor Kenneth Goh