3-15-26 “Everything is the Grace of God” (Membership Caring Month #3)

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“Everything is the Grace of God”

(Membership Caring Month #3)

 

I want to start with something funny I found on an internet site: A middle-aged woman has a heart attack and is taken to the hospital. While on the operating table, she has a near-death experience. During this experience, she sees God and asks Him, “Is this it?” God says, “No,” and explains that she has another 30 years to live.

Upon her recovery, she decides to stay in the hospital and have a facelift, liposuction, tummy tuck, and so on. She even has someone come in to change her hair color. She figures that since she’s got another 30 years, she might as well make the most of it.

After the last operation, she walks out of the hospital and is tragically killed by an ambulance speeding by. She arrives in front of God and complains, “I thought You said I had another 30 years.” God replies, “I didn’t recognize you!”

In the world we live in today, looks are valued so highly that we could call it appearance supremacy. Appearance is often the first criterion for dating or choosing a marriage partner., even getting a job. Even if it’s not appearance, external factors—such as education, financial ability, or occupation—are considered important. It is natural to consider these things, because education, wealth, and occupation play a significant role in life.

However, the most important thing is not someone’s appearance or external conditions, but the center of the person. If God judged us by outward appearance or worldly status, we would never be able to come to God or receive eternal life. Thanks be to God, because God never judges us according to appearance or external conditions, but according to our faith in Jesus Christ. I am so grateful that we are saved in the faith of Jesus Christ by the grace of God.

Today, we reflect on the story of the man born blind in John 9:1-41. This man had never seen the face of his parents or friends, nor known the beauty of a sunrise or sunset. In his society, he was considered a sinner—whether for his own supposed faults or those of his parents.

Yet, as Jesus walked by, He saw this man, who did nothing to draw attention to himself. Unlike many who came to Jesus shouting to be healed or touching His robe, the blind man was passive and unnoticed by others—but not by Jesus. Jesus stopped, noticed him, paid attention to him, and acted with love and care. This is the prevenient grace of God—the grace that comes first, reaching us even when we do not yet know God or do not know what to ask for. God’s love is open to everyone, and God sees each of us in our need.

Jesus sees what we often miss. The disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2). They assumed that misfortune was punishment. But Jesus said, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him.” Well, we don’t always understand, just like the disciples. Even if it is for God’s work and glory, we may still ask, “Why me? Why my family?” It can feel as though we are disconnected from God when we struggle with family matters.

Jesus knew what we need. He focused on what the man needed: healing, restoration, and connection. In our own lives, there are people in our church family who may feel unseen—those who have been absent, those struggling quietly, or those disconnected for any reason.

In this Membership Caring Month, God calls us to open our eyes, as Jesus did, to see those who may feel overlooked. To notice them, to reach out in love, and to remind them that they are cherished members of God’s family.

We have learned from Jesus to love God and to love our neighbors. But love is shown through action—through our hands and feet. These actions flow from the grace of sanctification as we grow in faith. Make a call, send a card, or schedule a visit. Even small gestures of care can shine God’s light into someone’s life, just as Jesus brought light to the blind man.  Jesus’ healing was both personal and active. He used mud and water in a surprising way, sending the blind man to wash in the Pool of Siloam, whose name means “Sent.” This act reminds us that God sends us into the world to serve, just as the man was sent to receive healing.

Our 2026 theme, “Sent to Serve and Sent in Love,” calls us to action. We are sent to care for our neighbors, to support one another, and to participate in God’s work of healing and restoration. Service is not just about programs or events; it’s about living as God’s hands and feet in everyday life. Please pray with these questions: Who is God calling me to serve this week? How can I bring love and light into their life?

The blind man was not only physically healed but also spiritually awakened. Jesus’ love transformed his life. Likewise, when we serve in love, we participate in God’s transformative work. Love deepens faith, restores relationships, and strengthens the body of Christ.

As we celebrate Membership Caring Month, let us remember that love is action. Reaching out to others, even in simple ways, reflects the grace of God in tangible ways. It reminds those who may feel forgotten that they are seen, loved, and valued.

I want to share a story I used in my doctoral dissertation, from Katie Cannon’s essay “Remembering What We Never Knew.” There was a renowned organist giving a grand performance. After a standing ovation, he praised himself aloud. A black man who worked behind the scenes, helping the organ, quietly said, “We are doing a wonderful job tonight.” The maestro angrily dismissed him. When the second half began, the organ would not play. The maestro realized that without the unseen worker, there was no music. He publicly acknowledged the man, apologizing and honoring his role.

This story reminds us that God’s work often happens through hidden hands. In our church, many “behind-the-scenes” efforts sustain ministry: those who pray, support, volunteer quietly, or reach out to members. Each act of service, whether seen or unseen, is part of God’s work.

Even though we may not always recognize your efforts or your hidden work, God knows everything you have done and continue to do. Without your commitment and volunteer service, our church ministry could not move forward. We deeply appreciate our volunteers and hidden workers in our church ministry!

Today’s scripture teaches us that Jesus sees the unseen, heals the broken, and sends us to serve in love. In 2026, God calls us to live out our theme: Sent to Serve and Sent in Love. Remember that Jesus said, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). Therefore, let us reach out to those who have been absent, uplift the weary, and share God’s grace in tangible ways while we still have the opportunity.

Let us open our eyes to the people around us who need care, encouragement, and love.

Just as the blind man obeyed Jesus and received healing, may we also respond faithfully to God’s call—serving with our hands, loving with our hearts, and walking together as a caring community of faith.  May God open our eyes to see, our hearts to love, and our hands to serve. Everything is God’s grace! Thanks be to God. Amen.