Read Ephesians 2:1-10

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us…” (Ephesians 2:4)

Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve. Together, they form the foundation of salvation. Paul describes God as being rich in mercy. Unlike us, He never runs out of it. His mercy isn’t stingy—it overflows.

Think about what this means. You and I deserved judgment. We deserved separation from God. But because He is rich in mercy, He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve. Instead, He treats us with love. His mercy cancels the penalty we owed, and His grace gives us blessings we could never earn.

Notice also the motivation: “because of the great love with which he loved us.” Love is at the heart of salvation. God’s love is not based on our performance, but on His character. He loves because He is love.

This is radically different from how the world operates. In our culture, love is often conditional: “I’ll love you if you’re attractive, successful, or helpful to me.” But God’s love is unconditional: He loved us even when we were dead in sin.

This truth should lead us to worship. The gospel isn’t just information—it’s an invitation to marvel at God’s mercy and love. And it should shape the way we show mercy to others. If God withheld judgment from us, how can we withhold forgiveness from others? If God loved us when we were unlovable, how can we refuse to love those who don’t deserve it?

Today, rest in God’s rich mercy. Let it wash away guilt and shame. And then extend that same mercy and love to someone else.

Reflection Questions:

• How do you usually distinguish between mercy and grace?
  
• How does knowing God is “rich in mercy” change the way you approach Him in prayer?
  
• Why is it significant that God loved us while we were dead in sin?
  
• How could God’s mercy toward you inspire greater mercy toward others?

Journaling Prompt:

Write about a time when you tangibly experienced God’s mercy in your life. How did it change you?