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

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Greetings Pastor Ruben,

Thank you for your heartfelt response and for building so thoughtfully on Pastor Johnson’s reflections. You beautifully emphasized the truth of “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), reminding us of our shared need for grace. Your addition of “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9) reinforces the unearned nature of our salvation and the humility it should produce in us. Your insights into the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes highlight how grace empowers us to live out the high calling of the kingdom.

Another verse that complements this message is Titus 3:5, which says, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” This verse echoes the theme of divine mercy and reminds us that our transformation is not self-wrought but Spirit-led. It shifts our focus from striving to surrendering, allowing God to renew us daily.

In practical terms, this means cultivating a posture of grace in our daily interactions. When we understand that we are recipients of unmerited mercy, we become more willing to extend patience, forgiveness, and compassion to others. Teaching our congregations to reflect on their own need for grace can soften hearts and open doors for reconciliation, especially in moments of conflict or disappointment. Encouraging testimonies of grace in action can also inspire others to do the same.

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 approach I’ve found fruitful is to regularly preach on the parables of Jesus, such as the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21–35), which vividly illustrates the disconnect between receiving grace and withholding it. I also encourage small group discussions where believers can share real-life struggles and victories in extending mercy, creating a culture of accountability and encouragement.

How have you seen the Beatitudes shape the spiritual maturity of your congregation over time?

God Bless You, Pastor Henry