After the Tables

What About Grace?

Week One ~ Ephesians 1:1-14 ~ August 9, 2026

Sunday morning, Bill reminded us that when we say, “God is really blessing me,” we often mean that something has gone our way. A prayer was answered as we hoped. A need was met. A difficulty was removed.

Now here is Paul talking about blessings as he opens his letter. But the direction Paul takes moves in a slightly different direction. It is truly a discussion about how things are turning out great for us, but not in the way we normally imagine it. We have been chosen by God. We have been redeemed by Jesus. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Not one single point Paul makes references our life here on earth. In fact, he states it outright in the beginning – God has ”blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Then we are directed to the big news. This is all “to the praise of the glory of [God’s] grace…,” and “according to the riches of His grace.”

During our conversation, Bill offered a personal observation worth carrying away from the tables. He wondered whether we as Christians have emphasized God’s judgment over His grace.

Perhaps that gives us a question worth keeping this week:

When I look at God, am I more inclined to anticipate His judgment—or recognize His grace?
Paul begins Ephesians with praise because he sees what God has already done. Maybe that’s a good place for us to begin as well. Before bringing God our concerns and requests this week, pause long enough to praise Him for the spiritual blessings that are already ours in Christ.