In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace
that he granted us in the beloved.
It has been said that one of the most undiagnosed psychological illnesses among men is cyclic and chronic depression. Its insidiousness has a way of robbing so many of the peace that God wants for us in our lives.
So often this cyclic or chronic depression has its roots in the feelings of unworthiness or uselessness in life. Invariably, such seeds were often planted in early childhood where, tragically, an unloving or uncaring parent laid the hardwiring that led to later feelings of worthlessness.
The antidote to such psychologically and spiritually depleting feelings, is knowing that we are indeed loved and valued in life. In functional families, that begins with the loving care of parents and siblings. For those who, sadly, grew up in dysfunctional families where such unconditional love was absent, later healing can take place when one finds a person in life whose friendship and love brings healing, wholeness and peace to our souls.
It is into these broken and fractured lives that the Lord of life in unwavering love sent his eternal Son. That, my friends, is the powerful good news of St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Despite the brokenness of our lives, despite whatever feelings of unworthiness, God adopts us as his own in his Son, Jesus. And with that adoption, you and I possess a dignity and value that is inestimable.
Love indeed transforms and makes new. God’s love for us knows no boundaries. His love is everlasting.