Thinking About Love - Commentary

When we reflect on Ephesians 2:8-9, we encounter a profound truth about love and grace: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Here, Paul illuminates the spiritual reality that our salvation is rooted not in our own effort, but in the boundless love of God.

Imagine a young child learning to ride a bicycle. With training wheels, they feel a sense of security, but it’s only when the training wheels come off that they truly experience the thrill of freedom. Similarly, God's grace removes the training wheels of self-dependence, inviting us into the exhilarating journey of faith. It is love that propels us forward, not the fear of falling or failing.

This love is not earned; it is gifted. Reflect on how freeing that is! The weight of our striving can be exhausting, but God’s grace lifts that burden. When we grasp this, we are awakened to a new purpose: to live in response to that love, extending it to others. Each act of kindness, every moment of forgiveness becomes a testament to the grace we have received.

As we embrace this gift, let us remember that our spiritual growth flourishes in the soil of trust and awe. We are not merely recipients of grace; we are transformed by it, called to share this incredible love with a world desperately in need of purpose and belonging.