Sometimes pastors are called into situations in church members’ lives that they’d rather not know about. A pastor friend of mine dealt with a complicated inheritance dilemma in which family members were deeply divided and estranged from one another. It was sad to see that what was given in generosity was received with envy and ingratitude.

An inheritance is generally something unearned by the one who receives it. This is certainly the case with the inheritance we receive from God. It is God who qualifies us to receive our promised inheritance. It has nothing to do with our good behavior, or our right doctrine or exemplary prayers, or even our faith that could move a mountain.

What qualifies us for our inheritance in the kingdom of light is our having been rescued in Christ by God’s amazing grace. If it were up to us alone, we would continue down a path that takes us away from God. Paul reminds us that God, through Christ, forgives our sins and by his Spirit enables us to lead lives of gratitude. What’s more, we are given “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for [us]” (1 Peter 1:4). All of these benefits, given with generosity and grace, move God’s children to give joyful thanks. May it be so for us today.