Grace Changes Everything

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if the world was just a little bit kinder?

If we actually listened to that age old “golden rule” of do unto others as you would have them do unto you?

What if we actually gave each other the benefit of the doubt rather than immediately jumping to conclusions?

And perhaps best of all, what if there was a home where we really were welcome no matter who we are, where we come from, what we have done, what we look or think or live like?

Now you’re just dreaming, you’re thinking.

Probably.

You’ve done lost your mind, you’re saying to yourself.

Most likely.

What has she snuck into her sweet tea, you’re likely whispering to your neighbor.

Just sugar, I promise.

What I’ve just described is not Thomas Moore’s Utopia. In fact, it is a vision of something called the “kingdom of God.” A place that is not just meant for after we die, but that we are supposed to seek right here and now.

In Greek, the word for grace means to give of one’s self freely. In Hebrew, the word for grace actually has a myriad of meanings. Walter Bruggeman’s was always my favorite, though. He translated the word as “tenacious solidarity” with and for others.

That is how God has chosen to live with us.

This is how we are meant to live with one another.

That is what we strive to do at Grace Presbyterian here in El Paso, because grace changes everything.

And if you’re not sure what we mean, we hope you will come and find out.

Blessings,

Rev. Janie