Embarking on a Journey of Inclusive Love and Service: Embracing the Grace of Giving Our Best

Welcome to a sacred space of reflection and action within our Perry Highway Lutheran Church blog. In the spirit of service that transcends boundaries, we invite you to us over the next few weeks to explore divine grace—a grace that calls us to give the very best of ourselves in love and service. Our theme, drawn from Ephesians 6:7, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,” invites us to look beyond the immediate and touch the eternal through our actions.

Our potential to manifest the fruits of our labor, infused with generosity and unconditional love, echoes the inclusive and affirming ethos of our RIC-ELCA community. Scripture provides the beacon for this journey, reminding us to:

• Emulate the boundless love exemplified by Jesus (John 13:34).
• Walk in the footsteps of Christ, reflecting His character and compassion (1 John 2:6).
• Extend love and kindness to even those who oppose us (Matthew 5:44).
• Care for one another’s spiritual nourishment, as Christ tends to us (John 21:17).
• Offer our gifts joyfully, as acts of divine worship (2 Corinthians 9:7).
• Lead lives worthy of the calling we have received, mirroring the divine (Colossians 1:10).

Though we may perceive our abilities as finite, we are infinitely enriched and invigorated by God’s grace. This grace is not merely for redemption; it is an active force that equips us to embody vibrant service, heartfelt love, and impactful witness. With hearts wide open to the outpouring of divine grace, we are transformed into conduits of God’s profound love and instruments of His compassionate service.

Let the words of the Apostle Paul resonate within us: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). United with the divine, we draw upon the ceaseless source of strength and love, empowering us to serve with generosity and to embrace love that includes and honors all.

As we don the mantle of Christ’s love, we grow into living embodiments of His grace, reflecting the wide embrace and acceptance so central to Christ’s message and our mission.

Join us on this journey of inclusive love and service, as we strive to give our best in the image of the One who loves us most. For further inspiration and a deeper connection with our mission, we welcome you to explore ReconcilingWorks and join in the movement for a more loving and accepting world.