Ordinary Time

Pause

From time to time, we all make decisions which cause hurt to someone we love. Our decisions can result in estrangement and alienation in our relationships, including our relationship with God.

It is not easy to admit our humanness or to seek forgiveness from those whom we have alienated or injured. The good news is that God longs to be in relationship with us. God offers forgiveness and grace, even when we fall short.

So come and rest in the grace of God.

Listen

During that day’s cool evening breeze, they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden; and the man and his wife hid themselves from the Lord God in the middle of the garden’s trees. The Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”

The man replied, “I heard your sound in the garden; I was afraid because I was naked, and I hid myself.”

He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree, which I commanded you not to eat?”

Genesis 3:8-11

Think

I have an adorable little dog named Molly. Molly is sweet and loving. Generally, she is obedient. Once in a while, Molly does something wrong. For example, sometimes the trash contains a “goody” she cannot resist. In a moment of weakness, when no one is looking, she will get into the trash and retrieve her reward. But once she completes “the act,” she then goes to hide in her kennel. Her hiding instantly gives away she has done something wrong. When Molly hides, I go find her. Though I am disappointed by her disobedience, I still love her. Though she feels guilty, her guilt has not changed my love for her.

Adam and Eve were a little like Molly. Immediately after they ate the forbidden fruit, they hid themselves from God. They were afraid and embarrassed by their disobedience. The good news is that God went seeking them out. God loved them. Their guilt didn’t diminish God’s love.

God loves us so. We cannot hide from God or God’s love. Even our disobedience cannot change God’s love for us.

Annell George-McLawhorn

Pray

God, thank you for your love, which seeks me out even when I am in hiding. Help me learn not to hide from you when I have fallen short. I celebrate your forgiveness that lifts me up when I fall. Amen.

Go

God’s love for you is unconditional. God’s forgiveness is sure.

Live a life of gratitude for God’s grace. Offer to others the forgiveness that God has offered to you. By learning and living a life of forgiveness, your heart will be lightened, and your soul will soar.