Scripture Reading
1 John 4:17
17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4–10
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Reflection
One of the most remarkable truths in this passage is that our standing before God is determined by our union with Christ.
Jesus stands before the Father with perfect righteousness, complete acceptance, and unbroken fellowship. John tells us that because we belong to Christ, we share in that standing—not because of what we have done, but because of what He has done.
This doesn't lead us toward pride. It leads us toward gratitude, humility, and joyful obedience.
Reflection Questions
Am I defining myself by my failures or by my identity in Christ?
How does being united with Christ change the way I see myself?
Do I believe God truly accepts me because of Jesus?
How should this confidence change the way I live today?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for giving me a new identity through Jesus Christ. Help me stop living as though I must earn what You have already freely given. May my confidence rest in Christ alone and may that confidence produce humility, worship, and faithful obedience. Amen.