Greetings Pastor Ruben,

Your response to Pastor Johnson beautifully reinforces the foundational truth of “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). You rightly emphasize our universal need for grace and the humbling reality that righteousness is unattainable apart from Christ. The addition of “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…” (Ephesians 2:8-9) further affirms that salvation is a divine gift, not a human achievement, and redirects our hearts to gratitude and dependence on God.

Another verse that complements this message is Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” This passage echoes the theme of grace and mercy, reminding us that our salvation is rooted in God’s compassion. It strips away any illusion of self-righteousness and invites us to rest in the assurance of His love and forgiveness.

The Sermon on the Mount indeed sets a high bar, but it also reveals the heart of the kingdom—one that welcomes the broken, the meek, and the merciful. Living out these principles requires daily surrender and a Spirit-led transformation. Practically, we can encourage our congregations by modeling grace in leadership, creating safe spaces for confession and healing, and teaching the power of forgiveness through Scripture and testimony.

You asked, “How do you encourage your congregation to live out these kingdom principles, especially when faced with challenges that require them to show mercy and forgiveness?” One way is by guiding them to reflect on their own need for mercy and the forgiveness they’ve received in Christ. When believers grasp the depth of grace extended to them, they are more willing to extend it to others. Role-playing scenarios, sharing stories of reconciliation, and offering prayer support during relational struggles can also help cultivate a merciful heart.

To the fellowship: What’s one way you’ve experienced God’s mercy through another person, and how did it shape your faith?

Blessings, Pastor Carl