It is good to remember what we were: as it says in Romans 3

"There is no one righteous, not even one;

there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.

All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."

"Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." "The poison of vipers is on their lips."

"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."

Their feet are swift to shed blood;

ruin and misery mark their ways,

and the way of peace they do not know."

There is no fear of God before their eyes."

In the light of this, what a wonder it is to know that you chose us, wanted us as your children, bought us, sought us, adopted us and transformed us, that you love us and cherish us (Eph. 1:2-8). What marvelous, unbelievable truths! They are far more than we could ever have hoped for!

Truly, you are the God who is beyond our dreams, beyond our hopes, beyond our understanding. You are Great and Powerful, Glorious and Perfect, Gracious and Pure. You are the fulfillment of the longings of our hearts, giving us, with yourself, what we all desire: belonging, worth and competence (Eph. 1:18-19)--and far more. Glory and honor definitely belong to you alone!

Help us to respond to this outpouring of love, grace and mercy by adding to our knowledge obedience to all we know about you, that you may be honored by this, may we love you through obedience.