Subject: Embrace of Repentance: A Reflection (06/12/'24) -Message

Subject: Embrace of Repentance: A Reflection Dear Friends, I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share a profound reflection inspired by a recent contemplation on the teachings of Jesus and our spiritual identity. This prose poetry, titled "Embrace of Repentance," delves into the essence of who we are in God's eyes and the transformative power of repentance. Do you think these were worse sinners than all others who suffered thus? Jesus asks, piercing through the veils of judgment. Spiritual identity transcends our deeds, the whispers of others, and the transient weight of possessions. We are the beloved daughters and sons of God, not defined by what we do or what people say about us, nor by what we have. Our essence is woven into the eternal tapestry of divine love. Beloved daughters, beloved sons, in the eyes of the Holy One, we are cherished, each one of us, embraced by the grace of the Father and the Son. Repentance beckons, a guiding light in the darkness, turning hearts towards righteousness. Without it, destruction looms, a shadowy specter. The choice is ours: to follow the path that leads to life. The fig tree stands in quiet anticipation, its fate intertwined with ours. Will it bear fruit or remain barren? In repentance, seeds of hope are sown, nourished by God's boundless love. Jesus speaks with clarity, a wisdom that dispels fear. Repentance is the doorway to hope, a beacon in every heart. We are not what we do, nor what we own. In God’s love, we are eternally known. Beloved daughters, beloved sons, in His embrace, we find our true home. May this reflection inspire and uplift you, reminding you of your cherished place in God's loving embrace. Let us embrace repentance, allowing it to guide us towards a life of hope and righteousness. Blessings, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 12, 2024)