“Lord, may your kindness for me, be celebrated as your kindness through me.” Scotty Smith
GOD’S INCOMPARABLE KINDNESS
Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive together with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses—it is by grace you have been saved. God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-7)
Dear Heavenly Father,
Reading these words from Paul is life-giving, heart-encouraging, and hope-fueling. Scriptures like this remind me You are so much more patient, loving, and grace-filled than I could have ever imagined. I believe; help my unbelief. I receive; increase my capacity to receive even more.
Today, what really arrests my attention is the image of our being raised from the dead and seated in Christ so that throughout eternity You might demonstrate your kindness to us in Jesus. Forever and ever, in the perfection of our life in the new heaven and new earth, our experience of your kindness will increase. This promise overwhelms the circuit board of my understanding, throws fuel on the fire of my longings, and reveals the paucity of my faith.
PRAYER – THE INCOMPARABLE KINDNESS OF GOD
Father,
The revelation of your incomparable kindness touches something deep inside of me in this season of life. Maybe it’s because of how little kindness I see in the world today — or maybe it’s because of how much I long to be a genuinely kind man. Maybe it’s because it contradicts wrong images I’ve had of you much of my life. By the power of the gospel, continue to rid my heart of all the false notions I’ve entertained about You.
There is no other God who would raise up dead sinners for an eternity of lavishing on them more and more of His kindness. I’m left speechless, breathless, and ever so grateful. May Your incomparable kindness for me be celebrated as Your kindness through me, all this one day long. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.
A Prayer for Marinating in God’s Incomparable Kindness by Scotty Smith first published at The Gospel Coalition on May 12, 2014. Published with permission.
Questions For Reflection
1. What surprises you about the rich mercy of God?
2. Where do you struggle with unbelief?
3. How could you celebrate the lavish kindness of God by #PayingItForward today?
Scotty Smith
Scotty is Founding Pastor of Christ Community Church, in Franklin TN—a PCA church he planted with friends in 1986. After pastoring CCC for 26 years, Scotty resigned from the staff in May, 2012, to serve the larger Church with his preaching, teaching and writing. He serves as the Teacher in Residence at West End Community Church, Nashville—a daughter church of Christ Community. Scotty also serves as an adjunct faculty member for Covenant Theological Seminary, Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Redeemer Seminary in Dallas, and RTS in Orlando. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina (BA), Westminster Seminary (MAR) and Covenant Seminary (D Min.). Scotty has written a number of books, including Unveiled Hope, Objects of His Affection, and Everyday Prayers. Scotty and his wife, Darlene, have two adult children.
Intentional Kindness
30 Creative Ways
The kindness of Christ radiates through us when we are patiently present, as we notice and respond to others’ needs, when we ask thoughtful questions, and each time we extend genuine forgiveness.
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