June 18, 2025

Bob Maas
“Then he calls his friends and neighbors and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
Luke 15:6-7

Living gracefully is fundamentally rooted in understanding the joy of the Lord. This beautiful truth resonates within us, reminding us that even when we stray from the path, like a lost sheep in the wilderness, God is always watchful and actively seeks us out. His love is not passive; it reaches out to us, especially when we are at our lowest.

God does not wait for us to find our way back to Him; instead, He pursues us with an unwavering love that knows no bounds. The moment we turn our hearts back toward Him, even in our brokenness and flaws, the heavens erupt in joyful celebration.

This parable teaches us that grace is not something we can earn through our efforts; it is a gift freely given to us by God. It is a joyful embrace that welcomes us home, rather than a stern reprimand that condemns us for our failings.

To live with grace means recognizing our continual need for this abundant mercy while mirroring God’s compassionate heart toward others. It encourages us to rejoice at the return of those who have strayed, to forgive others as we have been forgiven, and to extend the same heartfelt welcome to anyone who finds themselves lost or in pain. Each step we take toward God is not only noticed; it is met with exuberant celebration from the Lord, reminding us that every act of coming home is a cause for joy in the heart of Heaven.