Mary Demuth makes a great point in today's quote to ponder. The effectiveness of the gospel in people's lives often lies in how surprising it is. It is the opposite of what people expect. Grace instead of bitterness. Bearing with one another instead of complaining. Forgiveness instead of condemnation. Acceptance rather than exclusion.
I once heard a story of a woman who was a former Catholic visiting a Lutheran church. During the Confession and Forgiveness at the beginning of the service, the pastor said: "...I announce to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins..." and she burst out for everyone to hear, "THAT'S IT!?" As in, that's all it takes to be forgiven?
When have you experienced gospel - something opposite of what you might have expected?
This indeed, is the beauty of grace.
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