I always thank God for you, because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.  For in him you have been enriched in every way–in all your speaking and in all your knowledge–because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you (1 Corinthians 1:4-6).

Do you see what Paul is telling the Corinthians here?  He says, essentially, “You people are proof that all that stuff I’ve been teaching about Jesus and grace and forgiveness and transformed lives is true!  God’s grace has made you awesome!”

I mean, you know, that’s a paraphrase, but I think it’s kind of his point.

The same is true of you, Beloved.  God’s grace is at work in you, proving the power of his love and redemption.  You are a living example of the truth of Christ’s death and resurrection and saving grace.

I know, right?

What?  You don’t feel like an example of grace?  You feel more like a pathetic lump of flesh and hair and sloth and sin?  Yeah, I know those feelings.

Feelings lie.

Do you belong to Jesus?  Have you knelt before him and confessed your sin and accepted him as lord of your life and savior of your soul?  Then his Holy Spirit is at work in you, and the results are there for the world to see.

No matter what your feelings say.

Hey, look!  It’s that grace again.

Walk in it.

Happy Friday, Beloved.