By Ron Harmon, Presiding Bishop

Depart from evil, and do good; so you shall abide forever. For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his faithful ones.

[Excerpted from sermon delivered at World Conference 2023]

I have often wondered how the encounter between the Samaritan and the victim changed them both. How did the movement of God’s generous compassion grow beyond that single act and flow through them to others?

We don’t know where the movement of God’s generous compassion will lead us as we open our hearts to courageously share our time, talent, treasure, and testimony with those who yearn for a future of hope.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for how we have already joined the movement of God’s generous compassion offering dedicated ministry and leadership, sustaining church ministries through a global pandemic, honoring our financial commitment to those who have given a lifetime of ministry and service, funding ministries of release through world hunger projects, and exploring existential issues about how we care for our planet, embrace our diversity, and pursue economic justice for all.

Our compelling vision continues to push us beyond the limits of our current imagination to consider how we are joining the movement of God’s generous compassion in this moment and the next—it is what moves us to expand our true capacity in every dimension of our lives to respond out of the deepest desire of our hearts.

How are we joining the movement of God’s generous compassion?

The pursuit of this question will reveal our deepest yearnings to live in the hope and transforming experience of God’s grace and generosity, in a world of abundance where there is enough for all when we courageously share.

Prayer Phrase

“giving thanks to God…at all times and for everything” (Ephesians 5:20)

Spiritual Practice

Practice Gratitude

[Adapted from A 7-Day Guide to Gratitude by Diana Butler Bass]
Often, we feel we have to escape from everyday life to embrace the mysteries and blessings of God. But we don’t need to go far, we can look inside ourselves. The greatest gift is the one we most often take for granted: that we are alive. Take ten minutes today for silence. Sit somewhere you will not be disturbed and set a timer. Reflect on the words, “I am. We all are.”

What happened in the silence?
Did a sense of gratitude emerge in this exercise?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.