Ephesians 1:15-23

Ephesians 1:15-23
English Standard Version (ESV)

   I could read that over and over again.  Paul starts out this letter with such encouragement, such conviction in his belief, such abundant grace to share with the Ephesians.
  Let us join in this tradition -- may we begin with grace.  In a world racked by violence and heartache, may we begin our conversations and interactions with grace, sharing love first, anchoring ourselves in that before we move on to something else.  So often, we are in such a hurry to get down to whatever business we have to attend to that we miss this -- we miss this grace, this chance to root ourselves in love, and because we haven't anchored our relationships, we drift.
  God loved you first.  He chose you in love and pours out his riches and shares his inheritance.  Your relationship with Christ is anchored in the fact that he initiated the relationship in love.  He reached out with love, then inviting you into a life of faithful discipleship.  He leads us into repentance with kindness.  He loves first.
  May we seek to love others first, and let that be our first word and our first thought.  May the eyes of our hearts be so enlightened.