Today’s scripture: Luke 6:32-36 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Julie Walsh):
- Love
- Grace
- Forgiveness
This is the sum of the scripture passage: To love the unlovable; to reach the unreachable; to forgive the unforgivable. It reminds me of the stirring Matthew West song Forgiveness.
How can such a simple concept be so difficult to grasp? What practical advice does Jesus offer to achieve this task? We don’t have to look very far to find the answer: Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. I think each of us realizes how impatient, insensitive, and ugly we can be sometimes. Yet, in spite of our thoughts and behaviors, our Heavenly Creator loves us and forgives us generously and graciously.
I have been afforded this opportunity not only by God, but also in my daily run-ins with people. I have been shown love by people whom I have cursed behind their backs. I have been offered grace by the driver I just cut off in traffic. I have been extended forgiveness by the internet service representative who I growled at about connectivity problems. Each of these people generously and graciously exemplified this teaching of Jesus, even when I was at my worst.
Thought for the day: What if we took these examples of love, grace, and forgiveness and incorporated them into our daily routine with greater diligence? I imagine that the world would not only become a more beautiful place to reside, but so would the space and spirit that resides within each one of us.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.