“...it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Paul wrote in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” He showed through the way he lived that he truly believed in Jesus, the Son of God. If Paul didn’t believe in Jesus, it would be like he was alive on the outside while spiritually dead on the inside. Paul knew that if he stayed stuck in sin, he would be led to spiritual death.

But, he also knew something amazing: God gave us a way to escape this spiritual death through Jesus! Here’s the best part—eternal life doesn’t start only when we go to heaven. When we believe in Jesus and follow Him, we start living that eternal life by staying close to Him. When Paul told the church in Rome that "the Son of God loved me and gave Himself for me”, he was telling them that he takes Jesus’ death personally. That’s how real and close Jesus’ love felt to him.

Think about that for a second—do you feel Jesus’ love like that? Do you believe that, even if you were the only person on earth, Jesus would come to save you?

In Luke 15, Jesus told three parables about how God cares for each person—like a shepherd going after one lost sheep. These parables help us understand just how precious every single one of us is to Jesus. Paul was so thankful for Jesus' love that he gave up everything for Him. He no longer cared about the things of this world. His main goal was to finish the mission Jesus gave him: to tell everyone about God's amazing grace. Paul kept going, even when his life was in danger, because he never forgot how deeply Jesus loved him.

Thus, let us consider again—Jesus gave up His life for you. He put Himself through pain and suffering to save you. Jesus gave His all to you; what will you give back to Him?

Family Altar

Use these discussion questions and our prayer as a guide for your family altar.

Parents can lead the prayer and invite their children to repeat after them or encourage their children to take the lead, making family altar time a shared journey of faith.

Discussion Questions:

• Of all the things God has done for you, what is one thing you are grateful for?

• How are you getting ready and keeping yourself fit to keep following Jesus your whole life?

• What’s one way you can show God you’re thankful for His love?

• What can you do to grow closer to God today?

Prayer in Words:

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray.

Thank You, Lord, for loving us so much that You gave Your life to save ours. Help us to have faith like Paul and live in a way that shows we love You too. 

No matter how difficult life can get, help us be strong and courageous as we show others, especially our family and friends, Your grace and love for us. Teach us to live a holy life faithful only to You.

Hallelujah, Amen.