When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy… I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may carefully devote themselves to good works. Avoid stupid controversies, dissensions, and quarreling about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
Reflection
Have you ever been overwhelmed with gratitude by an act of grace?
This fall, I received a card from a Medford parishioner I do not know very well letting me know that they were praying for me and grateful for me. I was overwhelmed with gratitude, and it made me want to respond with love.
Earlier this spring, I was driving around my district in Delaware Bay and stopped briefly by St. John’s UMC in Fordville. I watched as volunteers scurried around the parking lot, loading and unloading thousands of pounds of food to give away to hundreds of families in Bridgeton. Later I met with them and their sister church, John Wesley UMC – only to learn that one of the reasons they can do this essential work is because they choose to work together. I was overwhelmed with gratitude, and it made me want to join in their ministry with love.
Titus 3 paints a picture of a community not held together by perfection or uniformity, but by gratitude for God’s mercy. Paul reminds us that our awareness of God’s deep love for us despite our flaws should fill us with a kind of gratitude that turns us outward toward one another in love.
In a world and Church that is often far more fixated on dividing the human community, as a church, we can model practicing gratitude for what God has done. Gratitude for God’s grace allows us to become more attentive – not only to what we have in common, but also the rich beauty found in our differences. It opens space for genuine connection. It invites us to see each other not through the lend of judgment or competition, but through the shared joy of being God’s beloved.
When we practice gratitude, we choose to celebrate God’s ongoing work among us—to see the Spirit’s renewal in every person, even those with whom we disagree. When we choose to be grateful and turn toward one another in love and in mission, we can do a whole lot more.
My prayer in this and every season is that our gratitude might draw us closer: to God who saves us, and to one another, whose diversity reflects the fullness of God’s love.
by Kate Monahan
