We are constantly being shaped. 

This world shapes us, our family of origin shapes us, people shape us, careers and jobs shape us, tragedy and trauma shapes us, and kindness and love can shape us. 

My point is that humans are not neutral. 

Even when we think we have everything under control, we are still being formed by circumstances, disappointments, heartbreak and the loneliness of this fallen world.

So how do we heal? 

How do we forgive? 

How do we hope again? 

How do we remain optimistic when life keeps giving us pain?

God’s Grace.

We must be trained by grace. There is nothing like it. You cannot find much grace in this world. You won’t find it in human institutions, media, governments, other religions, schools, or even social clubs. All of these human institutions start and end with merit. 

But the the Gospel is the story of grace for sinners.

When we absorb the story week after week through the Word (Scripture) and Sacrament (Baptism and Communion) our hearts slowly begin to live lives of grace giving undeserved favor to friends, acquaintances, neighbors, church members and even enemies.

We breathe in grace from God and then we breathe it out on others.

Take a look at the Apostle’s teaching about grace and let me give you 4 ways to be daily changed by grace from this passage.

Meditate and pray on these:

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 2:11-14

1.) God’s grace appeared in the person and work of Jesus for people who DIDN’T deserve it. Including you.

2.) God’s grace trains us to see the world differently and we end up changing the way we live - not perfectly, but like a toddler learning to walk. Stepping, teetering, stumbling, falling and getting back up.

When we understand, we will also be gracious with those who also haven’t figured out how to walk yet

(if we judge each other, we don’t “get” grace yet).

3.) He by himself REDEEMS us on the cross to purify us. The purity he earned for us through the Gospel creates a people for his own possession (God takes the responsibility and gives care to you) that are zealous for good works. These are works done and motivated by God’s grace and not by religion, guilt, shame or to impress.

4.) Always be on the lookout for the second coming of Christ aka the “Blessed Hope,” when grace will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. 

Our battle is not forever.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Harvey