The Story

Life with sinners is hard, and ministry to sinners is hard. We may become tired, disappointed, and tempted to withdraw. But God does not call us to receive grace and keep it for ourselves. Corporate worship is not only a time to gain private strength. It is a time when God captures our hearts again with the beauty of his grace. Jesus was wounded by sinners, yet he did not withdraw in coldness. He loved, served, and gave himself to the cross. Such grace breaks our selfishness and makes us servants. After worship, do not ask only, 'What did I receive?' Ask, 'To whom should this grace now flow?' The Spirit uses worship to make us instruments of grace at home, in the church, and in the world. Prayer Father worthy of worship, I praise you because your grace is beautiful and sufficient for the weak. Forgive me for receiving grace for myself while resisting becoming an instrument of grace for others. Thank you for Jesus Christ, who gave himself for me. Holy Spirit, send me out with a servant's heart. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.