The Best of Words
When we receive grace, it frees us from so many things.
~Tommy Bryan, August 13, 2023
I am so grateful to Tommy Bryan for filling the pulpit on August 13 when I was away on vacation. I listened to the message after coming home and was thrilled hear him talking from his heart about his love of the church, which is rooted in his love of Christ. The above quotation was something that he said that really stuck with me.
There are few better words in the world than “grace.” It carries the weight of a Savior’s love for us, the gentleness of being patient with one another, the wind of God’s Holy Spirit leading and guiding us. Earlier this year, I was teaching a course for licensing school, the United Methodist program for those who wish to become licensed local pastors. The students in my class mostly worked full-time jobs or were in school full-time but felt called to serve in pastoral roles too. They were all busy with work, family, and their own church involvement, and I could sense the pressure in the room with all the assignments they needed to do. The first thing I said to them was, “You will have to put in work. You will have to put in effort. But there is also grace. And grace is abundant. If you are struggling with the assignments, please talk to me. I’m here to walk alongside you.”
There was a collective sigh in the room with that bit of permission: grace is here. Simply ask. And freedom will follow.
God desires for us to live a free and full life, not weighed down but waiting on him. Where do you need grace today? To whom will you extend grace? Do not hold back. The best of words is waiting to give you new life!
all good things to each of you,
dr. darian