Grace

From the May Newsletter....

Author Philip Yancey says grace is the only thing the church has to offer to the world, really. In a world of "ungrace," the church offers the grace of Jesus Christ to all.

What does "ungrace" look like? You probably don't have to think very hard to come up with mental images or even your own experiences. "Ungrace" is when you get something wrong once, and the other person will never let you have a second chance (and probably never let you forget your mistake). "Ungrace" is the way some people responded a few weeks ago when the son of Rev. Rick Warren (author of "The Purpose-Driven Life") committed suicide, and people posted some of the most hate-filled things aimed at Pastor Warren. "Ungrace" is refusing to speak directly to a person who has hurt you, refusing to do what Jesus told us to do in Matthew 18, but talking about them instead. "Ungrace" is treating others the way we would never want to be treated ourselves.

We live in a world of ungrace. I could go on and on with examples. But God gives the refreshing wind of grace when we allow his Spirit to change us, mold us into living and being more like Jesus. We're transformed, called to be people of grace. Perhaps, over these past few weeks as we've looked at the topic of forgiveness, you've found grace. Now, the question is this: what will you do to extend it to others?

None of us is perfect. And none of us get it right every time. We need grace. The same is true of the church. We don't get it right every time. We need grace. Sometimes we mess it up, sometimes we fail to be who we should be. We need grace. Are you ready and able to extend it to those around you? Can you find ways today to fight "ungrace" with the hope of the Gospel—with grace?

I'll see you at the place of grace on Sunday!

Pastor Dennis