ACCEPTED. Ephesians 1:6 Through the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf when He was on the cross, we have been brought into a family relationship with God. He has adopted us and given us the rights and privileges of that loving relationship. We certainly do not deserve it, but by His grace, God accepts us now because we belong to His dear Son.
Is it truly possible for me to "be to the praise of the glory of His grace"? What could actually demonstrate God's grace through my personality, lifestyle, and reactions to life's circumstances? God does not give impossible commands, and the grace He freely gives us in Christ means that He has accepted us in Him, even though we do not deserve such grace. We belong to His beloved Son, which makes it possible for us to be and do what He desires. The inner person, from which the character visible to the world flows, marks me, hopefully by showing grace. My Christian character is being shaped daily by the choices I make and what I take in.
Honesty is a character trait that enables me to give praise to God's glorious grace. A reliable, dependable, and trusted person with a good record of telling the truth is such a person. Someone who habitually speaks the truth can be believed when speaking for God. The same goes for someone with an attitude of gratitude. When we are able to show appreciation to God, it encourages others to seek the Lord. Humility toward God and others shifts the focus from oneself to praising the Lord and others. A peaceful person committed to obeying God and consistently working toward His goals fosters praise for God's grace.
Our attitude toward others reflects God's grace. Genuine friendliness and controlled kindness, not pretense, demonstrate God's grace through us. Forgiving others, accepting responsibility, and being accountable to God and those around us are acts of grace. Encouraging others and coming alongside them when they have a need we can meet show the value of God's grace working in a believer. Compassion, sympathy, and love are clear evidence that God's grace can be understood easily. Often, our presence is more powerful than words or quotes from scripture. Listening attentively or giving a portion of your valuable time is a grace-filled act that can be the most meaningful response.
Our personal conduct and Christ-like attitude are not qualities we simply try harder to develop. They are evidence of God's glorious grace at work in us, especially when we cooperate with Him. This inner character becomes visible when we learn patience during difficult circumstances. Inner peace is rooted in confidence in God. Self-control demonstrates grace when a person brings their spirit, soul, and body into obedience to Christ. Seeing confidence in someone facing obstacles, with the belief that God provides everything needed to live successfully for Him, shows God's grace. Purity of life, fairness toward others, and enthusiasm in our calling are all attitudes that enable us to be "to the praise of the glory of His grace."
"Accepted in the Beloved," how welcome those words are to me! "Accepted in the Beloved," both now and for eternity! "Accepted in the Beloved," not because of any virtue of my own. "Accepted in the Beloved," by virtue of my Lord Jesus alone!
"Accepted in the Beloved," these words testify to God's grace. "Accepted in the Beloved," seated in the children's place. "Accepted in the Beloved," in Him whose worth is supreme. "Accepted in the Beloved," in spite of where I should have been.
"Accepted in the Beloved," no wonder we lift voices to praise. "Accepted in the Beloved," unspoken thoughts to our God we raise. "Accepted in the Beloved," how can we such a One describe! "Accepted in the Beloved," before God, we stand at His side.
"Accepted in the Beloved," our worship and the praise we bring. "Accepted in the Beloved," let our voices in great harmony sing. "Accepted in the Beloved," everyone who is redeemed by God's grace. "Accepted in the Beloved," a solid fact we can claim by faith.
"Accepted in the Beloved," a blessed comfort when we are alone. "Accepted in the Beloved" gives courage as we travel home. Accepted in the Beloved," even when we're rejected by men. "Accepted in the Beloved" these words give us needed strength then.
"Accepted in the Beloved" is all God's work, not mine. "Accepted in the Beloved," what reasons for praise in these words I find. "Accepted in the Beloved," in worship the glory of God's grace I'll praise. "Accepted in the Beloved" is my confidence throughout eternal days.