Let God’s Grace Sink In Deep
Ellen Edwards Kennedy once wrote about herself, “When I began to take Jesus seriously, I began to look at a particular young woman with scorn. I felt little but contempt for her as I thought of her quick temper, her selfishness, her spiteful gossiping, and the way she took her loving family for granted. Any time she was mentioned, I could think of very little good to say.
“But one day as I was leafing through an old picture album filled with photos of her, Jesus’ spirit spoke to my spirit and told me (concerning this young woman), ‘I have always loved her, despite her failings, and I have forgiven her. I want you to forgive and love her, too.’
“As I gazed at the young face in the pictures, my heart was filled with compassion for the girl. Along the way in searching for life’s meaning, she had made many mistakes. God gave me a gentle love for her and the ability to forgive her. That moment of healing when I decided to forgive and love her also gave me a new strength and new freedom to love others as never before . . . because the young woman in the pictures was me.”
Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is ourselves.
May you know in the deepest part of your being that there is nothing in this world that can separate you from God’s love. God has forgiven you. May you in turn forgive and love yourself.
Let us pray: May your grace wash over us again this day. May your grace, mercy, and peace sink deep into our souls that these gifts would be ours to share. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
