2 Corinthians 6:1
Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
When you receive a gift from a loved one, you may say thank you, or send a note of thanks by mail. These actions certainly display good manners. But, there is something that really shows appreciation the best. What is it? Of course, using the gift as intended!
God has given us the greatest gift in in His Son. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit we are given faith and raised to new life. These gifts come to us personally through the Word of God, baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We praise and thank God for His gifts to us when we gather for worship and talk with God daily in our prayer. But, the best thanksgiving is to use the gifts that God has given for our good as He intended them to be used. How is this done?
When we remember our Baptism, we are using God’s gift as intended. Remembering our baptism leads us to confess our sins and trust in Jesus as our Savior. When we hear God’s Word gladly and take to heart the teachings of the Holy Bible, we are showing God the appreciation He deserves for such a precious gift. When we receive the Lord’s Supper in faith for the forgiveness of our sins and strengthening of our faith, all heaven rejoices and God is glorified. The Christian life is indeed a most wonderful thanksgiving for those who have received God’s gifts. This is what it means to “not receive the grace of God in vain.” Rather we receive it for the purpose that God has given it to us.
Let us pray
I thank you Lord for your precious gifts to me in Jesus. O Holy Spirit, please enable me to respond in faith and show forth in my life the good effect of the gifts you have given to me by living according to my Heavenly Father’s Will. In Jesus name I pray. AMEN
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.