Communities of Grace

Recently I have been reflecting on the society around us. Often what we see is determined by our personality. Those of us who are more positive in our characters may see variety, diversity and a multitude of different colours and flavours within the increasing mix of nationalities; we may see a commitment to care for others through giving to a myriad of charities such as the recent ‘Children in Need’; we may see lots of choice and opportunities for young and old.

However, those of us who jump to the negative may see isolation and loneliness as we increasingly don’t seem to know our neighbours; we may see greed and selfishness as the gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ grows; we may see violence and intimidation on the streets; we may see sexual exploitation, drunkenness, lack of respect, anger and foul mouths.

Whatever we see, let us breathe God’s grace, love and compassion on all we come across and in so doing begin to make goodness and kindness fashionable. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to so fill us that others see His fruit within us. The title of this year’s Ministers’ Conference is ‘Communities of Grace’; may we be the vehicle through which God reflects His grace.

Rev'd Adrian Argile, Regional Minister