Saved

SAVED

a prayer to open

Here I am, Lord. Remind me who I am.

I am loved. I am known. I belong to you.

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Now that we are saved, we have been enabled to live in a way we couldn’t before. Imagine using only words that are good, helpful, and encouraging to others. Or imagine having no bitterness or anger—never lashing out with harsh words or slander. Imagine being only kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. Is that possible? What if the natural outcome of recognizing we are saved—really letting it sink into the depths of our minds and hearts—was kindness and goodness in everything we did? If we believed we were saved, eternally secure, forever and endlessly loved, we would have no need for fear, no reason to be angry or bitter when our egos felt threatened, and no desire to withhold forgiveness when hurt. Something in us would soften, our hearts would be open yet not afraid, and we could extend compassion to others, seeing them through the eyes of Christ.

• Reflect on the last time you lashed out at someone (whether in thought, word, or action). What caused you to react the way you did? What was triggering the way you were feeling?
• Which of the attitudes and behaviors that Paul mentioned—abusive language, bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander—do you sense God inviting you to examine in your life? What is the invitation?
• Take a moment to quiet yourself in God’s loving presence. Ask him to open your eyes and heart to the ways he wants you to live more fully into the truth that you are saved, eternally secure, forever and endlessly loved. What did he bring to mind?

Father, in my everyday life, help me remember that I am saved, secure, eternally loved. How easily I forget! Fill me with your grace and power to live in the way of love. Open opportunities for me to extend kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, and give me the courage to take them. I desire to be someone who builds up others, encouraging them and cheering for them instead of being envious or resentful. I long to be pure in my speech and free from bitterness or anger. Help me to be generous and forgiving, as you are. Let my life, words, and thoughts be pleasing to you. Amen.