Embracing Mercy: A Call to Love and Uplift (03/30/'24) -Statement

Embracing Mercy: A Call to Love and Uplift In the teachings of Luke 10:25-37, we are offered a powerful perspective on who our neighbors are: those who show us mercy and kindness. This parable, illustrating the compassion of the Good Samaritan, prompts us to understand that our neighbors transcend geographical proximity and familiar similarities. Instead, they are defined by acts of mercy and compassion. Our role is not to judge the worthiness of others' needs but to be agents of upliftment, healing, and restoration. We are called to love God fully and to love our neighbors as ourselves, recognizing that our growth is intertwined with our actions of lifting others. This commitment to act with kindness and mercy is not just a moral obligation but a vital expression of our shared humanity and a reflection of divine love. Thus, we are encouraged to embrace every opportunity to show mercy, to love without limits, and to recognize the neighbor in every individual we encounter. By doing so, we commit to building a community founded on the principles of love and kindness, where every interaction is an opportunity to rise by lifting others. Pastor Steven G. Lee (March 30, 2024)