As we reflect on Ephesians 2, we are reminded of the powerful transformation that occurs when we encounter the love and grace of God. Through Christ, we are made alive, seated in heavenly realms, and sent out to serve. This is the story of grace that compels us to give—generously and sacrificially—in response to the great gift we’ve received.



God Sees Us

Spring in the UK can be unpredictable, can’t it? One day, we’re enjoying sunshine and picnics in the garden, and the next, we’re greeted by snowflakes! It’s as if the weather can’t quite make up its mind, much like the way we sometimes struggle to find our place in life. This unpredictable change made me think of one of my favorite Christmas movies, The Holiday, where one character, Iris, is encouraged by an older man, Arthur, to stop thinking of herself as the "best friend" and start seeing herself as the "leading lady" in her own life.

But this scene also highlights a subtle truth: we often put ourselves at the center of everything. We become our own idols, and this self-centeredness is what Paul refers to in Ephesians 2: the “transgressions and sins” that result from failing to worship God and turning away from Him.

But the good news is that God sees us. He sees our struggles, our tendency to go our own way, and He steps in to offer restoration. Just as Iris was encouraged to embrace her true identity, God calls us to embrace our true identity in Christ.

God’s ultimate gift to us was Himself, in the person of Jesus. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we are made alive again (Ephesians 2:5). It is by grace that we are saved—not because we deserve it, but because of God's deep love and mercy for us.

God Seats Us

The transformative work of Jesus doesn’t stop at making us alive; it also elevates us. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:6, "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus." This isn't just a future promise of eternal life; it’s a present reality.

Being seated with Christ means we now have unlimited access to God, not just in the future, but right now. As citizens of heaven, we partake in the heavenly life of our Lord today. It’s a profound truth that sets us apart from the world. Historian Tom Holland encourages Christians to embrace the "weirdness" of our faith because it’s what makes us different. The idea that we have access to the God of heaven, that we can live in relationship with Him and discern His will—it’s something that should make us stand out.

This relationship is foundational to everything we do. Because we are seated with Christ, we can live in holiness, call upon God in times of need, and be motivated by His grace. Our connection with God shapes our lives in profound ways, empowering us to live according to His will and purpose.

God Sends Us

But God doesn’t just stop at making us alive and seating us in heavenly places—He sends us. As we’re reconnected to our Creator through Christ, we are recommissioned to continue the work He started in the world. From the beginning, humanity was given a purpose: to "rule over" and steward the earth (Genesis 1:26). Through Christ, our image as bearers of God’s likeness is restored, and we are invited to join in His mission to reconcile the world.

In Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” This is the work we are called to: to love, serve, and give in response to all that God has given us.

Giving is a central part of this. It’s not just about our finances (although that is important), but also about giving our time, our talents, our hospitality, and our service. We give because we have first received, and our giving flows from the deep gratitude we feel for all that God has done for us.

As it says in 1 John 4:10, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” Just as God gave first, we give in response to His great love. Our generosity—whether in money, time, or service—is a reflection of the generosity we’ve received from God.

A Call to Action

Today, as we reflect on the incredible grace of God, let us remember that we are not only made alive in Christ but also seated with Him in heavenly realms and sent out to continue His work. We give because we’ve been given so much.

If you feel moved to give, there are opportunities to do so through our Parish Giving Scheme. Whether you choose to give regularly or make a one-off donation, your generosity helps support the work of our church and allows us to continue sharing God’s love with our community.

Click here to give through the Parish Giving Scheme

As we give, we are responding to God's grace, showing our love for Him and for others. May we continue to give generously and sacrificially, knowing that it is in giving that we reflect the heart of the One who gave everything for us