“Faith-Grace-Gratitude”

For it is by GRACE you have been saved, through FAITH and this is not from yourselves, it is the GIFT of GOD.

Ephesians 2:8-9

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the LORD JESUS. And GOD’s GRACE was so powerfully at work in them all.

Acts 4:33

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the LORD JESUS has given me--- the task of testifying to the GOOD NEWS of GOD’S GRACE.

Acts 20:24

Meditation:

The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is the cornerstone of Christianity. He bore the weight of the world’s sins, bridging the gap between humanity and God. Through His resurrection, He offered hope and eternal life to those who believe in Him. This grace is unearned, undeserved, and freely given—a reminder of God’s boundless love for us.

Gratitude is a transformative virtue that shapes our lives, our actions, and our perspectives. As believers, it’s our response to the immeasurable grace of God—the grace that saved humankind through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His willingness to lay down His life for our sins is an unfathomable gift of love, mercy, and redemption. Understanding this truth leads us to the profound realization that gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s a way of living.

When we reflect on the depth of this grace, gratitude naturally flows from our hearts. It’s gratitude not only for the forgiveness we’ve received but also for the relationship we have with God—a relationship founded on love and sealed by Jesus’ sacrifice.

Applying Gratitude in Daily Living

Gratitude for God’s grace should be evident in every aspect of our lives. Here’s how we can live out this principle:

1. Pray Continually: Gratitude is nurtured through prayer. Thank God daily for His grace, and make it a habit to acknowledge His hand in both the extraordinary and mundane moments of life.

2. Live Humbly: Recognize that everything we have—our lives, our talents, our relationships—is a gift from God. Humility allows us to approach life with a heart full of thankfulness and dependence on Him.

3. Serve Others: Jesus modeled servanthood, and we are called to follow in His footsteps. Use your time, resources, and skills to serve those in need, expressing gratitude for God’s blessings by being a blessing to others.

4. Share the Good News: Gratitude inspires action and one of the greatest ways to show our thankfulness for Jesus’ sacrifice is to fulfill His Great Commission. Share the message of salvation with others, bringing them the hope and love that Jesus offers.

Jesus’ Great Commission to His followers, to go and make disciples of all nations, is an extension of His grace. It’s a mission of love that calls us to share the gift of salvation with the world. Living out the Great Commission, and living with PURPOSE is an act of gratitude—it’s our way of expressing thanks for what Christ has done by inviting others to experience His love and forgiveness.

In practical terms, we can fulfill the Great Commission by being intentional in our interactions, building relationships, and serving as a reflection of JESUS’ LOVE. Whether through conversations, acts of kindness, or missionary work, we are called to be ambassadors of the gospel.

5. Live with Joy: Grateful hearts are joyful hearts. Let your life reflect the joy that comes from knowing Jesus, even in the face of challenges or hardships.

Gratitude as a Lifestyle:

Ultimately, gratitude for God’s grace transforms how we live. It shapes our relationships, our priorities, and our purpose. It reminds us to focus not on what we lack, but on the abundance of God’s blessings. When we live in gratitude, we draw closer to Him, honoring His sacrifice and fulfilling His mission.

As we navigate life, may we continually reflect on the grace that saved us, and may our gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice inspire us to live lives devoted to His calling. In doing so, we embrace the fullness of God’s love and extend it to others—a beautiful cycle of grace, gratitude, and purpose.

Prayer:

Father in Heaven, Hallowed be your name your will be done in earth and it is in heaven, help us to live in humility, obedience and gratitude for your unfailing LOVE, amazing GRACE! Help us to live with purpose, focusing on continuing to joyfully spread the Gospel to all nations until our last breath on this earth, in JESUS’ name we pray. Amen!

Jose Reyes.