The Glory of Mercy and Grace: A Message (06/29/'24)

The Glory of Mercy and Grace: A Message Beloved in Christ, Today, we gather to reflect upon the profound truth that mercy and grace are the very glory of God. These divine attributes are not just abstract concepts but the essence of who God is and how He interacts with us. Through Jesus Christ, the ultimate plumbline of heaven, we see the perfect measure of these virtues. His life, death, and resurrection are the fulfillment of the Gospel, intricately woven with threads of grace and mercy. The path to experiencing God's grace is narrow, as Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7:13-14: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Few find this road, for the treasures of grace and mercy are rare jewels, recognized and cherished by those who seek them with a sincere heart. In our world today, we face a significant danger: the prevalence of actions devoid of mercy and grace. Many are caught in the extremes of doing everything or nothing, both paths leading away from the true essence of God's love. The real peril lies in living without the transformative power of mercy and grace, missing out on the light that should guide our steps. As followers of Christ, we are called to be merciful, just as our Heavenly Father is merciful to us. Consider the poor and your neighbors, those who live in the periphery of your daily life. Extend to them the mercy that God extends to you. In doing so, you reflect the heart of God, bringing His kingdom closer to earth through your acts of kindness. In the quiet moments, where the clamor of the world fades away, we can hear the gentle whisper of God's grace calling us to higher living. It beckons us to align our hearts with His, to let our actions reflect His love and compassion. Living a life illuminated by mercy and grace means embodying these virtues in every deed, showing God's face through our lives. Mercy and grace are the eternal songs of God's love, inviting us to a higher calling. May we, in all our endeavors, strive to embody these divine attributes, shining God's light into the darkest places and revealing the glory of His merciful heart. Let us walk this narrow path with joy, knowing that in every act of mercy, we bring a piece of heaven to earth. Amen. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 29, 2024)