Listen

Through him we have received God’s grace and our appointment to be apostles. This was to bring all Gentiles to faithful obedience for his name’s sake. You who are called by Jesus Christ are also included among these Gentiles.

To those in Rome who are dearly loved by God and called to be God’s people.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:5-7

Think

I have heard the phrase “too much of a good thing” in a variety of contexts. A classic example: if you eat so many delicious Christmas treats that you get a stomach ache – you might’ve had too much of a good thing.

But when it comes to God’s grace, we can’t have too much. As we reflect on how God shows up in Jesus and the Spirit continues to move in and around us… Wow! God’s grace is so good! Grace upon grace. We don’t deserve it, but that is why it is so good! God loves all of us so deeply… even those we struggle to understand, let alone love.

Because we’ve been given such abundant grace, there is plenty to share. Maybe you can encounter others this week with even an ounce of the kind of deep love God has for them. It could be a total stranger, someone you see all the time, or someone you would rather not encounter. You don’t need to talk… just make space for God’s love to give you a new perspective.

Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks

Pray

God, I am thankful for the grace and love you pour out on me.

May I try harder to see others through the lens of this love and grace.

Amen.

Go

Take a breath, keep showing up with your whole self – this will allow others to do the same.

May we all live into our holy whole selves!