Peter 4:7-11: "Extend Grace to Everyone."
Pastor Amos preached on God's abundant grace, not a stingy little grace, but pots full, barrels full, more grace than any one person could ever take in. I've noticed though, that when giving us the good news, Pastor Amos tends to give us the not so pleasant news as well. God expects US to give grace freely, often starting with people who are not nice to us. He must have said that at least five, maybe six times this morning. "People who aren't nice to you."
Since we are the recipients of so much love, forgiveness and grace, God expects us to give grace away--generously. We have plenty. We could consider forgiving someone who hurt us, maybe on purpose, maybe not. Like a man's daughter who didn't come to see him in the hospital five years ago, and he's still mad about it. Someone who annoys us. Someone who puts up political signs in their yard that are stupid--I mean, of a different point of view. Someone maybe, I suppose, we might even rant about.
I floated out of church filled with kindly thoughts, happy thoughts, grace-filled thoughts. Many people asked how I was coming along since my accident and told me they had been praying for me. Annette and George brought me home from church, kind and friendly as always.
After making lunch, I sat down to read my e-mail. And went ballistic.
My sister-in-law had forwarded an e-mail labeled "Prayer Request." Of course I opened it immediately, fearing something happened to one of the kids or the new babies. The e-mail was a chain letter full of heart-rending photos, defaming the ACLU. She suggested I should pass it on to everyone I know, like she had, because, the forwarded letter said, the ACLU was prohibiting our military from praying. Not like such a thing is possible. But having worked for the American Civil Liberties Union for nearly 10 years, I KNOW that the ACLU PROTECTS religious freedom. And protects us against the government FORCING any particular religion on anyone, including our soldiers.
I immediately wrote her a snippy response, you don't want to know the specifics, really, and hit SEND.
On consideration, not a grace-filled nor graceful note. Not even a taste of sugar. Wow, resentment and anger are hair-trigger. I SO do not want to call Janet and apologize. Sigh.
The trouble with going to church is that the pastor sometimes just hits the nail square on the head.
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| Rev. Amos Kariuki, Pastor of Hygiene UMC and Congregational Care Pastor at LP UMC |
Pastor Amos preached on God's abundant grace, not a stingy little grace, but pots full, barrels full, more grace than any one person could ever take in. I've noticed though, that when giving us the good news, Pastor Amos tends to give us the not so pleasant news as well. God expects US to give grace freely, often starting with people who are not nice to us. He must have said that at least five, maybe six times this morning. "People who aren't nice to you."
Since we are the recipients of so much love, forgiveness and grace, God expects us to give grace away--generously. We have plenty. We could consider forgiving someone who hurt us, maybe on purpose, maybe not. Like a man's daughter who didn't come to see him in the hospital five years ago, and he's still mad about it. Someone who annoys us. Someone who puts up political signs in their yard that are stupid--I mean, of a different point of view. Someone maybe, I suppose, we might even rant about.
I floated out of church filled with kindly thoughts, happy thoughts, grace-filled thoughts. Many people asked how I was coming along since my accident and told me they had been praying for me. Annette and George brought me home from church, kind and friendly as always.
After making lunch, I sat down to read my e-mail. And went ballistic.
My sister-in-law had forwarded an e-mail labeled "Prayer Request." Of course I opened it immediately, fearing something happened to one of the kids or the new babies. The e-mail was a chain letter full of heart-rending photos, defaming the ACLU. She suggested I should pass it on to everyone I know, like she had, because, the forwarded letter said, the ACLU was prohibiting our military from praying. Not like such a thing is possible. But having worked for the American Civil Liberties Union for nearly 10 years, I KNOW that the ACLU PROTECTS religious freedom. And protects us against the government FORCING any particular religion on anyone, including our soldiers.
I immediately wrote her a snippy response, you don't want to know the specifics, really, and hit SEND.
On consideration, not a grace-filled nor graceful note. Not even a taste of sugar. Wow, resentment and anger are hair-trigger. I SO do not want to call Janet and apologize. Sigh.
The trouble with going to church is that the pastor sometimes just hits the nail square on the head.