Oh what grace we have received!

Verse for the week: Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:37-38

It’s all about grace:

Grace received – as we connect with God

Grace shared – as we connect with each other

Grace extended – as we connect with our community

I looked up the above verses in Luke because I intended to say thank you to Grace Church for the way you always respond when a need is made known. Your love offering for the Moore family yesterday was over $900 which is a tremendous blessing.  This truly is a place where grace is shared with each other, often in very tangible ways. This week some of our men will be working on a handicap accessible ramp at the home of Powell and Rose Wyatt. A need was made known and true to form, instantly the Grace family began to respond. It happens all the time around here and I love it!

But when I looked up this scripture this morning, I discovered that it isn’t necessarily about giving money or even about giving time. Jesus said these words right after this sentence: “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” (v. 36) Then he says, ‘Give and it will be given to you…”  What has often been cited in conversations about money (I think it applies there too) is actually about forgiveness.  Sometimes it’s easier to give $ than it is to give the grace of forgiveness but that is what we are called to do.  Take just one minute to answer this: Anyone you need to forgive today? Need to let anything go – resentment? Bitterness? A grudge? A prejudice?  Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” Oh what grace we have received. May God help us to pass it on to others. Have a great week!

Pastor Steve

P.S. GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! J