Poetry of Grace ∙

Poetry of Grace ∙

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. – Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:6-10

For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ten Character Flaws That Can Derail Growth

Dr. Tom Brunner, a psychologist, counselor, and consultant, identifies ten character flaws that can hinder even good people from reaching their full potential. While good people can become great, these personality traits often hinder growth and maturity. Behavioral science highlights these derailers as not only annoying to others but also as major barriers to personal development.

1. Enviousness
   An inability to genuinely celebrate the success of others.

2. Defensiveness
   Hypersensitivity to correction or criticism. Those who are overly defensive often fail to mature; they merely grow older.

3. Aloofness
   A cold or distant demeanor that prevents trust and influence.

4. Volatility
   Overly emotional individuals tend to draw attention to themselves, losing focus on the reality around them.

5. Eccentricity
   While eccentricity may be amusing in the moment, it can hinder the ability to build deeper relationships by hindering rapport.

6. Entitlement
   A belief that one deserves everything they desire, often leading to unrealistic expectations.

7. Unreliable Character
   Unpredictability that erodes trust and prevents others from confiding in you.

8. Eagerness to Please
   A tendency to prioritize pleasing others over honest communication, which can lead to suppressed displeasure that eventually erupts.

9. Overly Punctilious
   A habit of finding fault in even minor missteps creates unnecessary tension.

10. Making Destructive Comments
    Sarcasm and cutting remarks erode rapport and prevent relationships from deepening.

The Father’s Perspective on Our Flaws

How does the Father perceive our character flaws and imperfections? Many worry that their shortcomings might lessen God’s love for them. However, such fears are baseless and unbiblical. The Father is omniscient, fully aware of every flaw, yet His love remains steady and unwavering. He doesn’t see us as failures but as works of art in progress, masterpieces of His grace and love.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”

Our lives are like an artist’s canvas, and God is the master painter. He is working, blending the colors of our experiences into a beautifully designed masterpiece. From eternity past, He has envisioned the finished portrait of our lives. He knows where our most significant imperfections are and which areas need the most attention.

The Paintbrush of Adversity

God’s primary tool for shaping our lives is adversity. Every trial, frustration, disappointment, obstacle, and failure has a purpose in His divine plan. As Romans 8:28 states: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

The Scriptures also highlight this in Romans 5:3-5: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.”

Through adversity, the Father develops endurance, shapes our character, and renews our hope. Although this journey can be painful and challenging, it is an essential process for personal growth and transformation. Every hardship we face acts as a catalyst, making us more resilient and understanding, ultimately equipping us to face future challenges with strength and compassion.

God’s Patience and Purpose

God rejoices over us, even though we are not yet what we will become. As 1 Corinthians 13:12 reminds us: “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Until the day we step into His eternal presence, God patiently molds and shapes us into the image of His Son. He uses every experience, whether joyful or challenging, to prepare us for His ultimate purpose. Romans 8:29: “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son.”

Father, open the eyes of my heart that I may see myself as You see me: a redeemed, forgiven work of art in progress. Thank You for preparing me to fulfill Your divine purpose for my life.

INSIGHT

God’s Masterpiece

Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

The Greek word translated as “workmanship” or “masterpiece” in this verse is poieme. Poieme “conveys the concept of a work of art, a carefully crafted masterpiece.” The Jerusalem Bible translates it as “work of art,” highlighting the intentionality and skill involved in its creation. In classical Greek, poieme was used to “describe the work of a craftsman, such as the detailed creation of a crown. It represents a person’s skillful and deliberate artistry” (Ecclesiastes 4:4; Isaiah 29:16). Interestingly, the English word “poem” is derived from this Greek term, further “highlighting the idea of something beautifully and thoughtfully composed.”

In the New Testament, poieme appears only twice:in Ephesians 2:10 and Romans 1:20. In Romans, it refers to God’s physical creation:“Ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature.” In contrast, in Ephesians, it refers to “God’s spiritual recreation within children of the King.” As Hoehner explains, “The first reference speaks of the physical handiwork of God, and the second refers to the spiritual recreation of God in the individual believer’s life. Both of these passages speak of the crafted work of God.”

The Father’s Masterwork

As children of the King, we are not random or accidental creations. We are the Father’s masterwork, His spiritual poems, crafted with purpose and precision. Our lives are not merely works unto themselves but are skillfully shaped by the Father to fulfill His good pleasure and carry out His will on Earth.

The Apostle Paul explains in Ephesians 1:4: “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”

From the Father’s eternal perspective, His work in us is already finished. He sees the completed masterpiece, even as we go through the ongoing process of being shaped and refined. Our spiritual rebirth is not just for our benefit but aims to equip us to do the good works He has prepared for us.

A Divine Perspective

The Father’s creative work within us is both intentional and eternal. He has loved and chosen us since before the foundation of the world, shaping us to reflect His holiness and perfection. Every trial and triumph is part of His grand design, shaping us into the masterpiece He envisioned from the beginning. As His magnum opus, we are called to live out the good works He has prepared, fulfilling His divine purpose and bringing honor to His name.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯10-23-2

© Dr. H 2025