Subject: Embracing Change, Grace, and Blessings in Our Spiritual Journey (04/25/'24) -Statement

Subject: Embracing Change, Grace, and Blessings in Our Spiritual Journey In life's journey, there are moments when we must heed the call to leave the familiar behind, especially when it no longer serves our higher purpose or aligns with divine will. The prophet Micah warns us, "Get up and go; there is no safety here any more. Your sins have doomed this place to Destruction" (Micah 2:10). This passage reminds us that there are consequences to our actions, and sometimes, those consequences necessitate a stark and immediate change. Yet, in the face of our shortcomings and the troubles they bring, there is an ever-present hope. In Romans 5:20, we are reassured that "where sin increased, God's grace increased much more." This profound declaration reveals the nature of divine grace as abundant and overwhelmingly generous, surpassing even our greatest faults. The law, which highlights our sins, serves ultimately to bring into greater contrast the vastness of God's mercy and grace, which is always ready to encompass and transform us. Moving forward with this understanding, we are called not only to embrace grace for ourselves but to extend it to others. 1 Peter 3:9 instructs us, "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." This guidance compels us to break cycles of negativity and retaliation by choosing a path of blessing and positive response. In doing so, we align ourselves with the divine purpose and open ourselves up to inherit the blessings that God has in store for us. In summary, as we navigate the challenges and consequences of our actions, let us always remember the overwhelming sufficiency of God's grace. Let it not only redeem us but also inspire us to act with compassion and kindness, turning away from retribution and towards the blessings that await those who live in accordance with divine wisdom. Pastor Steven G. Lee (April 25, 2024)