To love others seems so easy. A statement we hang on our walls or draw into notebooks surrounded with red hearts. However, when God calls us to love, he doesn’t always mean easy love. Love that comes natural to others who look, talk, act and love like us. That’s simple love. That’s not commandment love. That’s not love that even needs to be taught.

God is constantly reminding us that he loves every single one of us. The one’s of us that don’t look like us. The one’s that don’t worship or rejoice or mourn like us. That don’t read the same books to their children or live in the same type of homes or spend their money like we do. The one’s whose families make up an entire rainbow. This type of love can be hard work! It calls me and you to love everyone we meet like family. Like they are part of ourselves.

It calls us to put down my expectations that I am right and recognize that we are called to something larger.

Lord, I pray that all who hear this message will feel pulled to real love–love for a stranger, love for themselves, and love for You. May You teach each of us to love just like You do, without question or hesitation. Amen.

Today’s devotional was written and read by Wendy Wand.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

It seems that the troubles and woes of the whole world are piling up higher and higher, right outside our own front doors! The news is filled with wars and rumors of wars, death and destruction, cruelty and starvation! We are bombarded with bad news stories, rumors and speculation. I don’t know about you, but I sometimes worry for the whole world and I often feel helpless against the onslaught.

I think today’s scripture is particularly important, as we live under the heavy burdens of too much information and so much bad, sad news.

Most of us desperately want to help, to do something about the pain of the world, to help alleviate the suffering. And my fellow Christians, we can help! Each day we can wake up and put on the Armor of God!

First, strap on your Belt of Truth, and your Breastplate of Righteousness. Tie on your Sandals of Peace and put on your Helmet of Salvation. Now, holding your shield of Faith, strap on your Sword of the Spirit. Ready for your battle, you now Seal it all with Prayer, which activates your armor, and you are ready for whatever comes your way!

Step into your day alert and praying for others – all others – especially your enemies! Pray for LOVE to win and backup your prayer by moving through your day in the Fruit of the Spirit, with Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self; confident that God is in control.

Dear Loving God, help us to be your faithful servants, wearing Your Armor and sealing our hearts with trust in You. Help us to remember what you said in Ephesians 6:12 – “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

And Dear Lord, lead us in the way we should go. Help us to contribute to good in the world and to stand wearing your Armor as a beacon of Hope for the world. In Jesus Name we Pray. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Bernice Howard.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the...

The Prophet Joel was tired of the shallow faith he saw in the lives of the people around him. Theirs was a “surface” type of faith. Saying all the right things but without remorse or commitment to real and serious change. He challenges them to a time of fasting and repentance, He uses this visual image: “tear your hearts not your clothing,” which was the ritual way of showing remorse. He wants them to go deeper, to move beyond the external symbols to a real change.

Too often we, like the people Joel first challenged, tend to live this surface type of faith. We bless people we meet, we go to church on Sunday, and we ask for forgiveness often. While all of these are good, without sincerity and changed lives we do not improve as a person and we do not deepen our walk with God.

I think of an example. A person I knew had an anger problem. Just about anything would set him off. He would yell and sometimes act in a threatening way that scared his family and friends. He would feel genuine remorse later and come asking for forgiveness. Yet nothing really changed. One night he was standing outside of the bedroom as his wife put their daughter to bed. He listened to her prayers. After the normal thanking God for the people and pets in her life she said this, “And God, help daddy to not be angry because I am tired of being afraid.” He was guilt stricken.

Words of forgiveness were not enough. He had to do something. That night he got out a jar and put a label on it, “Angry Fines.” The next day he told the family that every time they saw him getting angry to tell him to put a dollar in the jar. Whenever it got to a set amount the family, without him, would go to the movies. Early on the family went to a lot of movies. But each day he strived harder to not have to put in a dollar. One day a year or so later the family realized that it had been more than a month since he had last paid a fine. To celebrate they all went to Disney Land.

Sometimes words are not enough. Enacting real change is hard but we don’t have to do it alone. Joel reminds us of the true nature of God. God is patient, loving, compassionate, merciful and ready to forgive. When we truly strive to change we have all the help we need.

Change is hard, full of weeping and sorrow, but with love God will see us through to a new beginning.

Loving God, help us to go deep to tear our hearts not our clothes. Give us the strength to really change and forgive us and love us throughout this journey. AMEN

This devotion was written by Bill Green and read by Amy Large.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose...

Jesus said these words in His sermon on the Mount, and he emphasized this command again in Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Forgiving is very important and sometimes quite difficult for us. Think that through. If I asked you to sit down and write a list of your enemies, who would make the list? Maybe people from your past who harmed you, or someone you love, would be first on the list. Maybe you would list collective enemies who harm other people or do great wrongs in the world. Maybe some politicians would make your list, or terrorists, or murderers, and other violent criminals. Maybe some people who disagree with your theology or your philosophy would make the list. Maybe that former friend who betrayed you and broke your heart would be high on the list. Perhaps a close family member who hurt you so much that the bitterness still fills your heart when you are reminded of that person. The list may be long or short, but it is hurtful.

Perhaps we need to make a second list of all the sins and hurts we have committed; all the things we need God to forgive us for.

Put the two lists side by side, literally or figuratively, and see what God sees—two sinners in need of His great LOVE and forgiveness. Two lists that He can eliminate! He will forgive us if we forgive them! Will we?

Dear loving God, forgive me and help me to forgive my persecutors and my enemies, as well as my loved ones and neighbors. Help me to be most generous with my LOVE and forgiveness. Please forgive these on my list, Lord. You know my heart, Lord, and you know I need a lot of mercy and forgiveness. Help me to be as generous as you, Lord, forgiving over and over – constantly striving to live in LOVE. Help me to remember to love my enemies and to pray for the ones who may hate me and persecute me, just as I pray for myself and all those who love me. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

This devotional was written and read by Bernice Howard.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

The comforting warmth a blanket can give on a chilly day or a cold night is something we all have enjoyed since we came into the world. Babies are swaddled, children are tucked under comforters, and adults sometimes enjoy the warmth of quilts made by family members or previous generations. The first people who walked this land had only blankets, animal skins, and wood fires for keeping warm. In the rich imagery of these cultures, love is like a warm blanket. This nurturing love offers a chance to learn from our mistakes and faults. If someone in our lives needs forgiveness, love can help restore harmony and connection. Love acts as a powerful covering for failings within families and community and even ourselves. It can help with feelings of security and safety.

We are asked in this verse to love “above all.” Instead of focusing on our broken ways the teachings of Jesus focus on love. When we walk the road of love it becomes easier to build unity with the people around us, with the marginalized, and with those from cultures or groups different than our own. Wounds heal and strong bonds are built as the blanket of love covers and forgives, encourages and brings peace.

Think for a moment about where you, in your life journey, might benefit from being surrounded by extra comfort and warmth. Then visualize a colorful, thick blanket wrapping fully around you, bringing peace to the broken places, the heartaches, or the worries. This is a never-ending love, always present, and worth sharing with everyone who walks beside us.

Loving God, we offer you our broken places and broken ways, knowing that you heal and restore us each day. Help us walk the good road of love, reaching out to those who need comfort. AMEN.

This devotional was written by Jenny Green and read by Amy Large.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Sometimes I think we have completely forgotten how to be humble. So I asked myself, what does it mean to be humble? I looked it up, and I reviewed the etymology, “from the ground, i.e., humus.” For the language lovers listening—how mundane. But on the other hand, how profound. From the dirt, just like every other creature on the planet, we are all mundane from birth until death.

As I pondered the world I live in, I realized that the humble are among us. They simply disappear in a crowd unless we intentionally search for them. They are quiet, almost invisible, and small- intentionally. They move among us whispering, not about themselves, but to check on others, to ask questions like “are you alright?” and to thank others. They do not point out wrong and shout, but they do ask, “Can I help?” They do clean up messes, hug liberally, and provide nourishment for the stomach and the soul. They show up. They look with both eyes open, seeing the hurt and ugliness in the world, and yet seeking out the good and beautiful that sits waiting amongst it all. They hear the shouts, the hurt, and the anger, yet instead of yelling back, they shed a tear, sweep up the broken pieces, offer a kind word, and ask if they can be of help. They break the bread, offer to run the errand, and give up a seat. They do not wear their pride like armor to protect themselves from perceived slights. They bear their hands, not arms, in order to do the work Jesus asks of us in the service of God’s creation.

For all the imperfections we see in the world, let us not forget that it is nothing more than a mirror of our own humanness and imperfections. Why do humans feel the need to point out imperfections and flaws? When we see someone stumble, do we stand by and say, “if they had been paying attention, they would have seen that stumbling block?” Or, do we help them up from their fall, ask if they are ok, and help them push the stone from the path so that we do not stumble in the future?

We should all realize how little value there is in spending our time focusing on the dead ends and hollow words of our mundane humanness and imperfections. Let us direct our attention and others to what can be done in love. At each moment, shouldn’t we choose a next step that draws us closer to The Way—a step that can help us and others focus on what is of value? For the humble among us quietly share the love of God by focusing on what really matters.

God, help us to accept that we are mundane. In humility, may we accept that we are all of this earth and show us how to value what matters. May we clear paths, offer support, and encourage those around us. Help us to heal wounds, not create them. In quietness and confidence, please guide us with the strength that needs no pride, Amen.

This devotional was written by Jill Pope and read by Susan Daves.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Welcome to the Saturday episode of the Grace for All podcast. Thank you for joining us today. Saturday is a special time when we take a few moments to review the scriptures that we have cited in the episodes this week.

If you missed any of those episodes, you might want to consider listening to them today. And even if you heard them all, there may be one that you might want to listen to again. We hope that each of these scriptures and podcasts will bring you a full measure of joy, peace, and love.

Now, let's listen to the scriptures that have been on our hearts this week.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Friendship is an easy word to use when life is calm. It becomes harder to define when circumstances change, and the structures that once held relationships in place fall away.

Over more than twenty years of caring for our disabled daughter, I’ve learned that some relationships fade not because people are unkind, but because endurance asks more than sympathy. When a situation becomes long-term instead of temporary, love is tested quietly.

When Hannah moved into a nursing home last August, many relationships naturally shifted. Nurses who had cared for her in our home for years were no longer part of our daily lives. That was expected. Roles had changed.

But one nurse continued to come to Hannah’s room even after she had no professional obligation to do so. She washed Hannah’s hair, brushed it slowly, sat with her, and talked with her. She wasn’t doing that for us. She was doing it for Hannah.

Hannah could not communicate in typical ways, but she was clear about how she felt around the people who cared for her. On those days, she was visibly calmer and at ease. Her body told the story her words could not. She knew she was being loved.

That care was not transactional. Hannah could not repay it. And yet the relationship was real and mutual. The nurse knew the difference her presence made. Hannah knew she was safe. Something meaningful moved in both directions, even though it looked different on each side.

Proverbs says that a friend loves at all times, and that a brother is born for adversity. It’s not drawing lines between friendship and family. It’s reminding us that love proves itself by staying.

Sometimes, family is defined by genetics. Sometimes it is discovered through faithfulness. Often, it is recognized only when obligation has ended, but love has not.

Father, thank you for love that shows up quietly and keeps showing up. Help us notice the gifts of presence we’ve been given, and shape us into people who offer the same to others. May our love reflect yours. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.