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 human failure 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
We have the same faithful spirit as what is written in scripture: I had faith, and so I spoke. We also have faith, and so we also speak. We do this because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus, and he will bring us into his presence along with you. All these things are for your benefit. As grace increases to benefit more and more people, it will cause gratitude to increase, which results in God’s glory.
2 Corinthians 4:13-15
Think
Have you ever purchased something you like so much you have persuaded others to make the same purchase? Because you are so pleased with the product and what it has done for you, you have sold others on the item.
The apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians says our experience with God is like this. We have been so changed by God that we speak up and share this change with others. We believe so much in what God has done that we are unable to keep the good news to ourselves. God’s love and grace for us is just too good to keep silent. A sure sign we have internalized the forgiveness of God is when we cannot help but share it. It is not a word of judgment, but rather a word of grace.
Annell George-McLawhorn
Pray
God, fill me with enthusiasm for your love. Help me to become so touched by your grace that I cannot keep the good news to myself. 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.
