Evening Scripture

Ephesians, Chapter 2

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 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.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands) —remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Evening Reflection

At the end of every day, most of us think back over the highs and lows. What we did right. What we did wrong. Who we talked to. What we accomplished. What we still didn’t check off the list. If we aren’t careful, this mental inventory even gets taken to bed.

Before we know it, we’re tossing and turning with questions that never seem to end.

Thankfully, passages like Ephesians 2 remind us that our relationship with God isn’t based on how many items we checked off our to-do list, how long we read our Bible, or even how many spiritual things we did that day in service to Jesus. Our relationship with God has never been based on how well we perform. And yet, maybe we live like it does.

Instead of resting in grace, we rest in busyness and productivity. So, we put our heads down, keep going, and burn the candlestick out at both ends. But is this really how Jesus says we should live?

In Ephesians 2, we see that “it is by grace you have been saved…it is the gift of God.” Contrary to how we might live or believe, grace isn’t something we have to work hard enough to deserve, achieve, or earn; rather, it’s something we receive.

Tonight, and every night after that, God isn’t asking you to prove yourself before you rest. He’s inviting you to accept what He’s already freely given to those who believe.

When you think about your life, are you tempted to measure your worth by what you do? I know I am. Do you ever feel like you have to earn God’s approval or carry your mistakes as punishment? If so, you’re not alone. But instead of judging or shaming yourself, talk honestly with God using these questions:

- Where am I trying to earn what God’s already given me through grace?

- Where have I confused following Jesus with trying to prove myself to Him?

This passage reminds us that sin is serious. Paul is clear about that. But where we’ve been isn’t who we are. And because of His great love for us, God is rich in mercy and love. The salvation He offers us isn’t a paycheck for good deeds or behavior, but a free gift given to all who will accept it.

Yes, good works still matter, but they come after grace. So tonight, you don’t have to calculate whether you did enough to prove yourself to God. You can confess what needs confessing, receive forgiveness, and then walk in freedom. Because your identity isn’t found in the success or failure of today; it’s found in Christ alone.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Tonight, I want to thank you for your grace and mercy. I confess that I’ve tried to win your approval, and I pour out my sins, failures, regrets, and disappointments of today. Thank you for your saving grace. Thank you that it isn’t based on what I do or who I am, but who you are. Please help me to accept this gift, and live in the freedom it offers. I love, praise, and thank you, Jesus.

Amen.

Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.

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