S – For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast

Ephesians 2:8–9 ESV

O – Commentary:

This is a concise summary of how a person is saved. It is a cardinal tenet of the Good News that people are made righteous through trust in Christ rather than through their own merit (see Rom 1:16–17; 3:24–25; Gal 2:16; cp. John 3:16, 36). Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done (see Rom 3:21–4:8; 9:16; Gal 3:2–10; 5:1–6; cp. 2 Tim 1:9; Titus 3:5). Salvation is for those who trust Christ alone to save them. As a result, none of us can boast about it (cp. Rom 3:27; 4:2; 1 Cor 1:30–31; Gal 6:14).

 New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Eph 2:8–9.

A – Powerful verse and principle.  It is humbling to see how much God did to allow us to have a relationship with him.  Even in our worst, God is ready to move toward us.  Even in relationship, we can elevate ourselves and what we have done.  He is patient and long suffering.  His grace is amazing towards us.

R – Heavenly Father, you are gracious, merciful and long suffering.  Thank you for all loving and forgiving us  even in our worst.  Your grace and mercy allows us to build a real, authentic relationship with you.  Today, we choose to follow you in humility and obedience.