Verse of the Day for September 27

Paul does not say God forgives us out of his riches. He says according to the riches of his grace. The difference is worth noticing. A rich man can give out of his wealth and hardly feel it. To give according to his wealth means the gift matches the size of the fortune.

So the forgiveness of sins is not a small donation from a large account. It is measured to the full scale of God's grace. That is the honest answer to the question many people carry quietly: is there enough for me?

Verse 6 adds another phrase: he hath made us accepted in the beloved. The beloved is Christ. We are not accepted on our own, as separate cases to be reviewed. We are accepted inside someone God already loves completely.

And verse 8 says this grace has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence. God's generosity is not careless. It is wise. He knows exactly what he is forgiving.

If someone asks how you can be sure God has forgiven you, you do not need a clever reply. You can answer honestly. Not because I have done well, but because his grace is rich, and I am in the beloved. Say it once to yourself in the mirror before you leave the house.

You are accepted inside someone God already loves.

God knows exactly what he is forgiving, and he forgives it wisely.