A Daily Devotional with Pastor Doug Crouse February 7, 2018 The Amazing Grace Exchange

 Scripture Reading – Ephesians 4:31 - 32 (NLT)

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

 So many people are familiar with the words of the hymn, ‘Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me’. In Today’s text we witness what I would like to call, ‘The Amazing Grace Exchange’. This exchange takes place in our hearts and lives when Christ forgives our sins, and the Holy Spirit takes up residence within each one of us, leading and guiding us along life’s way, in all that we think, do and say. 

We no longer are bound by bitterness, which can take root in a life and defile many people. Our lives are not marked by outbursts of anger and rage. We don’t spend our days talking unkindly about other people behind their backs. I like what I once heard someone say. If someone is talking to you about someone else remember that they will talk about you to someone else too. Neither are we living in the darkness of human desires and depravity. 

Now by the grace of God and for His greater glory – we are kind and forgiving to those who have slandered us or even despitefully used us towards their own ends. Instead of a hard heart of stone, God has placed a heart of flesh in us and we know that we have been forgiven much, so we must forgive others too! 

Yes – truly this is an amazing exchange of grace. Not something that any one of us would have been able to put on or manufacture. But in our growth as followers of Jesus Christ, our hearts desire is that these attributes may be reflected even in a greater measure, because as they are the light is shone upon our living and loving Lord Jesus Christ. 

 Prayer My Father Your grace is truly rich and amazing. That You are an unchanging mercy loving God is what I want my heart and life to reflect too. May Your grace fill up my heart and life to overflowing that I may be a shining example of Your great love to others, I pray in Jesus mighty name. 

 Memory Verse:  Matthew 7:12 NLT “___ to _______ _________ you would like them to do to you.”