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8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 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.--- Ephesians 2:8-10 NLTWhen someone gives you a gift, do you say, “That’s very nice---now how much do I owe you?” No, the appropriate response to a gift is “Thank you.” Yet how often Christians, even after they have been given the gift of salvation, feel obligated to try to work their way to God. Because our salvation and even our faith are gifts. We should respond with gratitude, praise, and joy.We become Chrisians through God’s unmerited favor, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part, However, out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness, and not merely to please ourselves. God’s intention is that our salvation will result in acts of service. We are not saved merely for our own benefit but to serve Christ and build up the church (4:12).--- Life Application Bible notesPRAYERDear Lord,You manifested Your love for us. Your broken body makes us whole. By Your wounds, we are healed.We give thanks to You for what You have done for us by becoming the sacrifice for our sins. We thank You for the new and eternal life given to us.Lead us, who know You now by faith, to Your presence, where we may see Your glory face to face. Be glorified as we receive the gift of Your body, which is given for us.In Jesus’ name, Amen