Proverbs 11:27 (The Message)
The one who seeks good finds delight;
the student of evil becomes evil.
James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Living Out Divine Wisdom and Love
Imagine the transformation our world would experience if everyone embraced and embodied the wisdom found in James 3:17. If we truly followed the guidance of scripture—allowing God's pure love to lead us to be peace-loving, considerate, merciful, impartial, and sincere—our relationships and communities would reflect divine grace and compassion. This vision is God's dream for creation, beautifully demonstrated in the life and teachings of Jesus.
While we recognize that perfection is unattainable in a fallen world, those who profess Christ as Lord are called to be living examples of love toward our neighbors. When we choose to celebrate or condone actions that do not align with these ideals, we distort the image of a loving and grace-filled God that we claim to follow in Jesus' name. Therefore, we must continually strive to reflect love for both God and neighbor—not only through our actions but also in all that we endorse and support.
1 Peter 1:1 – 2 (The Message)
I Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah, writing to exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten. God the Father has his eye on each of you and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus. May everything good from God be yours!
Sanctifying Grace: Living Out Love
Sanctification represents the final form of grace in John Wesley’s theology. Our journey began with prevenient grace, where God’s love is extended to everyone before we even respond. We then receive justifying grace, which occurs when we acknowledge God’s claim on our lives. Both prevenient and justifying grace are fundamental steps in restoring our relationship with God. However, many people struggle to embrace the final step—sanctification.
To put it simply, sanctification means actively practicing the love for our neighbors that Jesus commands. This is where the peace and joy promised in the Gospels are truly experienced. It is important to understand that sanctification is not the same as perfection. We remain human and are always in need of God’s forgiving grace. Nonetheless, sanctification involves continually striving to become a better version of ourselves. While salvation comes when we dedicate our lives to God, the deepest joy Jesus promises is realized when we serve others, following His example.
Ephesians 2:4 – 5
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Exploring Wesleyan Grace: Prevenient, Justifying, and Sanctifying Grace
In Tuesday’s devotional, I referenced John Wesley’s belief in prevenient grace—the grace that affirms God’s love for all as first and always. This means that God chooses to love us unconditionally. Prevenient grace is the assurance that God’s love is extended to everyone, without requirement or condition, and is freely given before we ever respond.
Today, we revisit what Wesley describes as Justifying Grace. This refers to the moment when we fully acknowledge and accept God’s call in our lives. It is the point at which we recognize God for the love that God is and choose to respond.
At this moment, we realize that we are called to live a life that is distinct from the rest of the world. We learn to love God in return for all that God has freely given us. This marks the beginning of the first and greatest commandment: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. The decision to love God is a choice made freely, but once it is made, it transforms our outlook on life forever.
On Tuesday, we will explore the third form of grace Wesley discusses—sanctification. Through prevenient and justifying grace, we are drawn to become a new creation, inspired by God’s love.
Titus 2:11 (The Message)
God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone!
God’s Unconditional Love and Our Calling as Disciples
John Wesley emphasizes a profound truth that is essential for us to remember: God loves all of creation. This love extends to everyone and everything, without exception. There are no requirements or preconditions that must be fulfilled to receive God’s love; it is freely given to all.
As disciples of Christ, we are called to mirror God’s love in the world. This means loving our neighbors with the same prevenient love that God offers us—love that is genuine, unconditional, and freely given. Our love for others should reflect the grace God shows to each of us.
Jesus teaches us to love and pray for our enemies. By embodying such love and grace, we open ourselves to experiencing God’s own love and grace. Only through this genuine and unconditional love can we fully understand and share in the divine compassion that God offers.
Proverbs 20:7
“A righteous person acts with integrity; his children who come after him will be happy.”
Modeling Integrity and Compassion in Parenting
Continuing with the Father’s Day theme, it is important to recognize that teaching our children about integrity involves more than just speaking about it. Our actions must consistently reflect the values we wish to instill. By aligning our words and deeds, we create an environment that nurtures honor and truthfulness, preparing our children to become adults who value these principles.
Reflecting on my own experience, I am reminded of how my father modeled compassion and grace throughout his life. He always managed to do the right thing and ensured it was done in the right way. This example played a crucial role in shaping the person I have become. As I raise my own children, I strive to follow his lead, loving God by showing love and respect to all others.
𝐄𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟔:𝟒
𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐮𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝.
Reflections on Parenting and God’s Guidance
As we approach Father’s Day, I am reminded of the significant challenges parents face today. The world is filled with many pitfalls that can lead our children away from God’s vision of hope, love, and peace for everyone. However, instead of dwelling on the negative influences that seek to draw us into darkness, let us turn our attention to the goodness that God has placed in this world. By focusing on what is positive and God-given, we can guide our children toward the light and encouragement that comes from faith.
The scripture chosen for today begins with the instruction: “do not provoke.” When any of us make mistakes, it is difficult to admit our faults, and it can be even more challenging when others continuously point out our shortcomings. This is why it is important to make a clear distinction between discipline and punishment. Punishment focuses on the mistake that was made and the consequences that follow. While acknowledging errors and consequences is necessary, if we stop there, the opportunity for positive growth is lost.
Instead, we should use discipline as a form of instruction. Through discipline, a young person can learn from their errors and gain the tools and understanding needed to avoid making similar mistakes in the future. Discipline rooted in love and guidance encourages growth and transformation, rather than resentment or shame.
True learning never happens without mistakes. Even Jesus understood this as he taught his disciples, and the Spirit of God continues to work in each of us in this way today. Recognizing the inevitability of mistakes allows us to lead with grace and forgiveness. God’s grace and forgiveness are the foundation for how we should guide all of God’s children, helping them move toward the light and love of God. By modeling forgiveness and grace, we foster an environment where growth, healing, and deepened faith are possible for everyone.
Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
Many of us have been influenced by the notion that we should strive to accomplish everything on our own. Society often teaches that asking for assistance is a sign of weakness. However, this belief is misleading. Even at the very beginning of creation, God provided a helper, emphasizing the importance of partnership. Ecclesiastes 4:9a highlights this truth: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
There are many things in life that we cannot achieve by ourselves. When we receive help, what seemed impossible becomes possible. Including God as the foundation and guiding force transforms our efforts, allowing us to accomplish what would otherwise be unattainable. Through this process, we discover that God's creation is fundamentally about community and service. We find our greatest fulfillment and joy when we pursue God's purpose for our lives alongside those He has placed around us, working together in harmony.
