By Phyllis Gregg, Presiding Bishopric office director

I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

My Finnish grandmother lived more than 50 years in Canada, yet seldom spoke English. My brother and I had a hard time communicating with her. Despite that, she did manage to demonstrate, in very clear ways, her love for us. When we spoke to her on the phone, she would always ask us how we were in English. We learned a few Finnish words to say back to her. Whenever we visited her home, she would greet us with a huge smile and hug. When we left, tears would fill her eyes. One Christmas, when I was young, she sent me a pair of ceramic angels. They meant the world to me. I have carried those two angels with me wherever I have gone. They still sit in a cabinet in my home.

After a large family gathering several years ago, I noticed the angels were moved and one of the heads was broken off. I was heartbroken. Who would do such a thing and then just leave it? I was so upset. I glued the head back on, but it wasn’t the same. I just couldn’t look at those angels with the same love I always had.

Then one day I was sitting in my home office, feeling incredibly bad about an encounter where someone made it very clear I had not lived up to their expectations. I noticed the angels…one with a broken head. God’s love, grace, and mercy poured over me. We are all broken. We’re all imperfect. We sometimes have visible flaws, yet God loves us perfectly. We may not always feel worthy of this deep level of love but that doesn’t stop God from loving us…every day…unconditionally. God doesn’t focus on our flaws but instead looks into our hearts and calls us to do the same for others.

Prayer Phrase

“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

The Open Hands Prayer

Sit with your hands resting on your lap, palms up. Close your eyes. Silently reflect: What have I been tightly holding on to? What is mine to give today? As you inhale, imagine receiving God’s abundant grace. As you exhale, open your hands more fully and say: “Freely I have received, freely I give.” End by asking God to show you one person, act, or place where you can respond with generosity today.

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.