In many workplaces, extra money is given as a bonus at the end of a year for exceptional work. But the bonus which has come to every believer who is trusting in Jesus is astonishing; not least because we have gained so much that we have never earned or could have deserved. Not only has our sin been taken away, but we have been given all the rights of adopted children (Ephesians 1:5) of the King of kings. And that, only through His grace.

The sacrifice of Jesus and His resurrection was amazing, but that was only the beginning. Not only does it provide hope of our resurrection on the day that Jesus returns, but we have already been raised and are seated with Him in heavenly places. Although we still have our old bodies, and alas, our old sinful natures (Romans 7:18), God has already transplanted us from the world of the spiritually dead (where Satan rules), to His Kingdom (Colossians 1:13). That is how we are able to respond to Him and to enjoy His company. Already we have our own special place in His family. Without being given that privilege, we could never have the confidence to come to Him as our Father, in prayer or praise.

And that is not all. One day we will have new sinless bodies with which to enjoy His presence (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). Many have asked, "What do I have to do to earn that privilege?" A better question is, "What has He done, and what will He do?" Verse 7 says that God will display the evidence of His rich grace ... and it is us that God will exhibit. We will all be amazed at what Christ has achieved. We will see how astonishingly kind God has been to us; and that it has all been made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Today, at work, we may not feel any different from our unbelieving colleagues: but we are (1 John 3:1). Through faith in Jesus, we are spiritually alive, we have a place in the family of God, and we are living with an eternal perspective. The benefits of our salvation are not just for heaven, but they are real today. So, start the day by giving thanks, and take a moment to realise just how special you are, because God has chosen to be astonishingly kind to you.