Worship

I hope you are carrying with you the reminder that God’s mercy is poured out on all who come to Him with humble hearts.

Sunday, we explored the powerful parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, focusing on how God sees us not by our own self-righteousness but by His abundant mercy. We saw that the tax collector, despite being despised by society, was the one justified before God because he approached with humility and a heart full of repentance. Like the jack-o’-lantern we talked about, God chooses us, cleans out the sin and brokenness, puts a smile on our face through Christ’s joy, and lights our hearts so we can shine His love in the world. This message challenges us to examine where we place our trust—in our own deeds or in God’s grace—and to embrace the freedom that comes from relying fully on His mercy.

As you go about your week, I encourage you to reflect honestly on your own heart: Are you more like the Pharisee, quietly comparing yourself to others, or like the tax collector, recognizing your need for God’s mercy? Let us resist the temptation to lift ourselves up by putting others down, and instead, let us be people who walk humbly, fully dependent on God’s grace, shining His light in every corner of our lives. Remember, it is only by God’s mercy that we are made right, and it is that same mercy we are called to share with those around us.