Message - God’s Grace, Resurrection, and the Call to Love

 

Today’s scriptures guide us through three interconnected themes:

1. Forgiveness and God’s Providence (Genesis 45)
2. The Hope of Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15)
3. The Call to Radical Love (Luke 6)

These passages remind us that our lives are part of God’s greater plan, that suffering leads to transformation, and that we are called to forgive, love, and trust God completely.

I. Joseph’s Forgiveness: Seeing God’s Plan (Genesis 45:3-11, 15)

A. The Background

Joseph, once betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, had endured years of hardship. But through God’s providence, he rose to power in Egypt. When famine struck, his brothers unknowingly sought food from the very brother they had wronged.

B. Joseph’s Response

Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph says:

“Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5)

Joseph recognized that God was at work in his suffering. His pain had a purpose—to save many lives.

C. The Lesson for Us

• Forgiveness is essential. Joseph did not hold onto bitterness but saw the bigger picture of God’s will.
• God can turn pain into purpose. Even when people harm us, God can use it for good (Romans 8:28).
• Reconciliation is possible. Joseph embraced his brothers, reminding us that God restores relationships.

Are there people you need to forgive and reconcile with today?

 

II. The Hope of Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50)

A. The Mystery of the Resurrection

Paul responds to questions about resurrection by using the analogy of a seed:

“What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.” (1 Corinthians 15:36)

Just as a seed dies to grow into a plant, our earthly bodies must die to be transformed into glorious bodies in the resurrection.

B. The Contrast Between the Earthly and the Heavenly Body

Paul describes two types of bodies:

1. Perishable vs. Imperishable – Our current bodies are weak, but our resurrected bodies will be eternal.
2. Dishonor vs. Glory – The new body will reflect God’s glory.
3. Mortal vs. Immortal – Death will no longer have power over us.

C. The Lesson for Us

• Our suffering is temporary. The struggles of this life prepare us for eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).
• We must live with eternity in mind. Do not focus on the temporary, but seek things above (Colossians 3:1-2).
• Jesus is our hope. He was raised first, and we will follow Him in the resurrection.

Are you living in a way that reflects the hope of resurrection?

 

III. The Call to Radical Love (Luke 6:27-38)

A. Jesus’ Command to Love Enemies

Jesus teaches a love that goes beyond human expectations:

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

This is a divine love—a love that forgives, serves, and expects nothing in return.

B. The Principle of Mercy and Giving

Jesus calls us to:

• Be merciful, just as God is merciful. (v. 36)
• Give generously, and it will be given back to you. (v. 38)

God’s love is not based on human standards but on grace and mercy.

C. The Lesson for Us

• Loving our enemies is a sign of Christ’s work in us.
• Generosity and mercy lead to blessings.
• We reflect God’s character when we forgive.

How can you show radical love this week?

 

IV. Trusting in God’s Justice (Psalm 37:1-12, 41-42)

A. Do Not Worry About the Wicked

Psalm 37 reminds us:

“Do not fret because of evildoers… for they will fade like the grass.” (v. 1-2)

God sees everything, and He will bring justice.

B. The Righteous Will Be Vindicated

“The meek shall inherit the land and delight in abundant peace.” (v. 11)

This echoes Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:5), assuring us that God rewards those who trust Him.

C. The Lesson for Us

• Trust in God’s justice. We don’t need revenge; God will act in His time.
• Keep doing good. (v. 3) – Even when surrounded by wickedness, we must remain faithful.
• God will uplift the righteous. (v. 41-42)

Are you trusting in God’s justice instead of worrying about evildoers?

 

Today’s scriptures call us to a life of faith, hope, and love:

1. Like Joseph, forgive and trust God’s plan.
2. Like Paul, live in hope of resurrection.
3. Like Jesus, love unconditionally and give generously.
4. Like David in Psalm 37, trust in God’s justice.

As we leave today, let’s ask ourselves:
Who do I need to forgive?
Am I living with eternity in mind?
How can I love my enemies this week?
Do I trust in God’s justice?

May we walk in faith, hope, and love, reflecting God’s grace in all we do. Amen.