Sunday’s Recap, Monday’s Call

September 14th, 2026

Sunday’s Recap: Grace

Guiding Scripture: Exodus 14:19-31, Matthew 18:21-35

Yesterday we completed our Lessons in Leadership worship series, where we explored what it means to be leaders as a church. We navigate power dynamics. We accept the call to be leaders with both confidence and humility. We reconcile conflicts when they arise. And now it all comes back to grace, as it so often does.

We lead with grace because God leads with grace. Grace cannot be earned because it is freely given out of unconditional love. A kind of love humanity scarcely knows, and yet we are called to emulate by Christ.

In the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus is inviting us to lead with grace as God does. To forgive as God forgives. We are to offer one another mercy because God has shown us mercy. If we have been assured of the forgiveness offered to us, then our hearts should reflect that warmth with others. Holding onto hatred and seeking vengeance prevents the work of the Spirit from working through us.

But the reality is, we hate. We harm. We sin. Having faith does not make us immune to this reality. But if God loves unconditionally and grace is freely given, does that mean we are not held accountable for our sin?

Unconditional love does not remain apathetic in the presence of harm. Our Exodus story highlights this. Nothing can separate creation from the love of God, and that love holds harm accountable. But I believe that accountability is revealed through the work of the Spirit that continues our growth. It is not a punishment; rather, a challenge to continually repent from sin that harms and turn toward a God that loves.

Christ came as the ultimate example of that love for us to follow. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting harm or abandoning boundaries; it means releasing hatred and refusing to let human wrath become our response, while still pursuing justice and liberation.

Monday’s Call

This week, our invitation is to praise a God that loves unconditionally and respond to that love by doing no harm while forgiving others for their harm. Forgiveness does not negate the need for accountability. How do we find ways to lead with grace, forgive others, celebrate accountability, and create healthy boundaries?

As you move through your week, consider trying one or more of these spiritual practices:

• ❤️‍🔥 Feel God’s Warmth: Below are some scriptures about God’s love and grace. Take some time to read through some of these scriptures. You could begin your day with a couple, or turn to them during a time of need. Imagine the words living within your heart. Feel their warmth.
  • Psalm 40:11-12
  • Psalm 91:14-16
  • John 13:34-35
  • Matthew 11:28-29
  • Romans 8:38-39
  • Hebrews 4:16
• 🙏 Pray to let go, but not to forget: When a harm done to you occurs, or when you find yourself thinking of a past harm, turn to prayer. The goal is not to forget or to no longer feel hurt. Rather, we pray that we may forgive and let go of a hate that does not serve us or Christ’s mission. If you struggle to find the words, try this simple breath prayer.
  Inhale: “Lord, your mercy”
  Exhale: “I release this hurt”
• ✍️ Reflect and journal:
  • What harms are still taking up space in your heart? Does letting go feel possible?
  • What does it mean for you to forgive harm while not forgetting and maintaining healthy boundaries?
  • What is one small, concrete way you can practice grace this week?

May we lead with grace.