Adventure Three: The River of Grace

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Destination: The River of Grace

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

Good morning, Kingdom Explorers!

We’ve already had quite an adventure.

First, we discovered that Jesus welcomes us into God’s Kingdom.

Then we traveled down The Path of Love, where we learned to leave footprints of God’s love wherever we go.

Today, Captain Compass has brought us here.

The River of Grace.

Take a look at that river.

A river keeps flowing. The water doesn’t stop and ask: Were you good enough today?

It doesn't ask: Did you make any mistakes?

It simply keeps flowing.

And that can help us understand something wonderful about God’s grace.

Grace is God giving us His love, forgiveness, and goodness even though we could never earn it.

Explorers, imagine I handed you a beautifully wrapped present.

And you said: How much do I owe you?

What would I say?

Nothing! It’s a gift!

You don't pay for a gift. You simply receive it.

The Bible tells us: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. — Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

God’s grace is a gift.

And grown-up Explorers, sometimes we need that reminder just as much as our children do.

We can spend a lot of our lives trying to prove that we're good enough—good enough parents, good enough Christians, good enough employees, good enough friends.

Grace tells us something different.

God’s love isn't a prize we win for being perfect.

It is a gift.

And when we understand how much grace God has given us, something begins to happen.

Grace starts to flow through us.

When someone makes a mistake, we can forgive.

When someone disappoints us, we can show patience.

When someone needs another chance, we can remember how many chances God has given us.

That’s why Captain Compass’ tip today is: God’s grace is a gift—share it by forgiving others!

So, this week, Explorers—and grown-up Explorers too—when someone makes a mistake, remember this river.

God’s grace keeps flowing to us.

And with God’s help, we can let that grace flow through us to someone else.