One of the fundamental points of the Christian faith is that what we have we do not deserve. We were enemies of God (Romans 5:10). We were ungodly (Romans 5:6). We were hateful and hating one another (Titus 3:3). We were dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). And yet God in His great mercy because of His love for us, zeal for His own glory, and His covenant promises sent his only Begotten Son to deliver us wretches from sin, Satan, Hell, and death. That should lead us to one thought: We have it better than we deserve. We deserve condemnation, fire, brimstone, and the almighty, terrifying wrath of God poured out on us for all eternity. Yet in Christ God has given us every good thing (Romans 8:32). I am not a give fan of mantras to be repeated over and over, but most of us should begin and end each day with one thought: we have it better than we deserve.

Your wife is better than you deserve.

Your husband is better than you deserve.

Your children are better than you deserve.

Your in-laws are better than you deserve.

Your single life is better than you deserve.

Your house, apartment, trailer, room at mom and dad’s is better than you deserve.

Your pastor is better than you deserve.

Your congregation is better than you deserve.

Your fellow members at church are better than you deserve.

Your town is better than you deserve.

Your country is better than you deserve.

Your job is better than you deserve.

Your bank account is better than you deserve.

Your health is better than you deserve.

Your children’s health is better than you deserve.

Your trials are better than you deserve.

Your prosperity is better than you deserve.

In the end, even the air we breathe is a gift. So give thanks to our gracious God for all that He has given from the grass, clouds, sun, turkey, and football to His Son born of Mary, broken for our sins, and raised for our justification.

O give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever (Psalm 136:1).

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things (Romans 8:32)?