25th June In love God predestined us to be dopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1, 5 & 6 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Titus 2, 11 & 12 Adoption To adopt a child is a happy but risky experience. From one day to the next a child without parents, hardened by suffering, finds a new home. Without delay he/she changes his/her living condition. Often he/she comes into a new country and a new social sphere. Everything starts from the beginning again: a new education, with is unavoidable constraints/restraints.

The believer goes through the same experience in his relation with God. Everything changed that day when he was born again. He becomes a child of God. He receives a new life, everlasting life. His education starts with his relation to God. This education is the proof of God's tender and firm care towards his children.

It is good to be disciplined and formed by the reading of the Bible and by prayer. Difficulties therefore also educate us. They break our pride and show the obviousness of our weakness. In everything which happens to us we should have the firm conviction that God is treating us according to his grace and not according to our merits. No, God does not save us to abandon us. "He who has started a good work in you will conclude it" (Philippians 1, 6). This verse encourages us. It is God who holds the bar of our education in his hands. He also tests us. He permits us to question ourselves. Does our life show the education of his grace?

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