Lavished with Love

Wednesday - January 19th

Scripture to Read Today: Ephesians 1:3-14

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See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

1 John 3:1

A friend recently told me that he has claimed 1 John 3:1 the verse he plans to contemplate often in 2022. He says that the phrase “See what great love the Father has lavished on us” overwhelms his heart and mind. My friend chooses to live his life this year in light of that bold statement made in 1 John 3:1. The word “lavished” causes my friend to stop, contemplate, and savor the magnitude of God’s kindness and grace in his life.

For me, the word "lavish" conjures up images of opulent wealth. It's nearly too much, too extravagant, too excessive. Being lavish verges on the edge of being wasteful. But it doesn't have to be wasteful to be unbelievably kind and generous. God never wastes His love on anyone. Yet, the Scriptures say that He lavished His love and grace on us when He saved us through the blood of Jesus.

The Apostle Paul described God's extravagant love to the Ephesian believers, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding" (Ephesians 1:7-8). Did you notice that? God lavished on us "the riches of His grace!"

The Apostle John used the same word for "lavish" in 1 John 3:1, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" So, the fact that we are called (and actually are) God's children in Christ points to the riches of His grace being lavishly showered on us.

Think about it. Jesus made it possible for all your sins to be forgiven in His sacrifice on the cross. That is grace - God's goodness we do not deserve. Stop there, and no one would question the incredible nature of His great love. But God went farther. He not only forgave us by His grace when He saved us, but He also welcomed us into His family. He made us His sons and daughters with all the rights as His heirs. He lavished His love on us!

When you feel unworthy, remember that God chose to shower you with the goodness of His grace. He chose to send His Son for you. He chose to forgive you. He chose to make you His child. Remember, God loves you extravagantly!

Remind yourself regularly that God has lavished you with the riches of His love and grace!