What do you love most about God?

A few times each week I send out a short devotional email from my own study. We just finished up a short look at some "Bible Lists". Now I'm jumping into Philippians. If you would like to receive the email, you can sign up at this link: http://bit.ly/SermonLeftovers

The character traits of God which we most love and appreciate are often the same ones we are most slow to emulate.

I'm talking about GRACE and PEACE.

Most of Paul's letters begin with him sending "Grace and peace" to the recipients. I think this is because Paul most associated these concepts with the person and work of God. At the same time, these two inter-related gifts should be traits which we embrace and pursue in our own lives. This morning, I've been mulling over the many ways grace and peace are made manifest by God as well as by God's people.

1. God extends GRACE to us while we are still sinners.
2. God made PEACE between us by sending Jesus to pay the price for our sins.
3. When we accept God's gift of GRACE, we, who were God's enemies, are at PEACE with him.
4. God's GRACE means forgiveness of my sins which empowers me to be at PEACE with myself. I no longer need o wallow in the shame and guilt of the past.
5. You cannot experience PEACE until you've received GRACE.
6. Those who have received GRACE should extend GRACE.
7. Those at PEACE with God should be at PEACE with others.
8. You cannot live at PEACE until you've extended GRACE.

Do you love that God has extended GRACE to you?
Extend GRACE to others.

Do you love that God has pursued PEACE with you?
Pursue PEACE with others.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(EPHESIANS 1:2)