A Note from Pastor Rich
September 26, 1999
I once knew a very old couple who radiated a tremendous happiness. The wife especially—who was almost unable to move because of old age and illness—was filled with such a gratitude for life that I was deeply touched. In her kind face the joys and sufferings of many years had etched a hundred lines. Involuntarily, I asked myself what could possibly be the source of this kindly person’s radiance. In every respect they were common people, and their house indicated only the most modest comforts. But suddenly I knew where it all came from. I saw those two people speaking to each other and their eyes hanging on each other. All at once it became clear to me that this woman was dearly loved.
It was not because she was a cheerful and pleasant person that she was loved by her husband. It was, in fact, quite the opposite. It was because she was so loved that she became the person that I saw with such a gracious love for life.
This couple was to me a great illustration of the grace of God. He does not choose us because we are so great that He would be honored to be in our presence. No, it is quite the opposite. Through the love of God we become what we could never have been before. It is through our relationship with Jesus Christ that the glory of our God radiates through us.
May His love change us, as well.
Your Servant,
Rich
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