I invite you to join me in a journey toward living a year of grace. Grace is not simply a theological concept; it is the lifeblood of our faith, the very essence of God’s love poured out for us.
To live a year of grace is to intentionally open ourselves to this love, to receive it, and to extend it to others.
Receiving Grace
- Deepen your prayer life. Spend time in quiet contemplation, listening for God’s voice and allowing the Holy Spirit to work within you.
- Engage in Scripture. Read and meditate on God’s Word, allowing it to shape your thoughts and actions.
- Practice gratitude. Cultivate an attitude of thankfulness for the blessings in your life, both big and small.
- Confess and repent. Acknowledge your shortcomings and seek forgiveness, knowing that God’s grace is always available.
Extending Grace
- Forgive others. Release any bitterness or resentment you may be holding onto, offering forgiveness as Christ forgave you.
- Show compassion. Reach out to those in need, offering a helping hand and a listening ear.
- Practice patience. Extend grace to those who may frustrate or annoy you, remembering that everyone is on their own journey.
- Love unconditionally. Offer love without expecting anything in return, just as Christ loves us.
Living in Grace
- Embrace your imperfections. Recognize that you are a work in progress and that God’s grace is sufficient for your weaknesses.
- Live in the present moment. Let go of worries about the future and regrets about the past, focusing on the gift of today.
- Trust in God’s plan. Surrender your anxieties and fears to God, knowing that He is in control.
- Share your faith. Be a witness to God’s grace in your words and actions, inviting others to experience His love.
As United Methodists, we are called to be a people of grace, reflecting God’s love to the world. Let us commit ourselves to living this year in the fullness of grace, allowing it to transform our lives and the lives of those around us.
May God’s grace be with you always.
Pastor Rob
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