Are you feeling reflective as we kick off 2023 about your life, your goals, your relationships?  As the year spreads out before us, like a book with blank pages to be filled, how about considering being purposeful in showing God’s love and grace to people you don’t agree with?

I know, I know, you’re thinking Taylor, that doesn’t sound very fun.  But isn’t that what we’re called to do?  Christianity Today did a survey on how Christians are viewed and some of the top complaints are: “you don’t listen, you judge me, and you complain about what’s wrong instead of making it right.”  Ouch.  Those are tough words for a group of people who are supposed to be known by our love.

As we go through this year and encounter others, remember people are longing for meaning, a life that matters, and a sense of being loved. As followers of Jesus, we know the only way to find that is through the unconditional love of Christ.

Let’s make it our resolution this year to do what Philip Yancey challenges us to do: “The issue is not whether I agree with someone, but rather how I treat someone with whom I profoundly disagree.  As Christians we are called to grace, which means treating even our opponents with love and respect.”

Let’s resolve to show the people around us the same Grace God has shown us this year.  It will change the world!