If I Had Space
Pastor Paul grapples with the hesitance many of us feel to offer refuge and hospitality due to perceived limitations in our lives. And rather than suggesting that we lack physical space, he argues that rationalizations and self-justifying excuses fill our spaces, preventing acts of kindness and compassion. Emphasizing that true faith is inherently linked to love and mercy, advocating for extending grace even to those who may offend us. Then by examining the complexities of forgiveness through the scriptural story between Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus, Pastor Paul highlights the transformative nature of love that transcends grievances. He encourages self-reflection and communication with God to identify our barriers to forgiveness and kindness while also acknowledging the need for personal boundaries in our relationships. Ultimately we’re called to a deliberate effort to create welcoming spaces grounded in grace and community. We are to push back against the tendency to harbor negativity and rather focus on the importance of nurturing genuine connections with others.
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