Perspective on you are enough

Let's dive straight into Ephesians 2:8-9:

8 For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

As someone who struggles with chronic illness, I have a different perspective on this. Over the years, I've been working through not feeling guilty about not being well enough to serve on a Sunday. I've encountered looks and funny comments, like "You need more faith" or "Stand up then," during episodes of a fast-paced heart 🙄, which I've learned to laugh off without getting offended.

This Bible verse is comforting, as it reminds me that I don't need to earn God's love or grace. I don't have to perform for God or anyone else.

Supporting people means enabling them to do what they can and encouraging them, without getting frustrated if they let you down, because with chronic illness, each day can be different.

Action for leaders and pastors

For leaders and pastors it's important to use inclusive language of how you communicate and how people can get involved and that includes how you invite people to worship in a Sunday for example "Shall we stand" as not everyone is able to.

We are all on a journey. I have always wondered about the meaning of this Bible verse. I wonder if it suggests it's linear in working out our salvation—it's not doing what we want or abusing grace, but figuring out how to serve Jesus to the best of our ability in our current situation. But I can reassure you that if you have given your life to Jesus you are saved.

Philippians 2:12-13

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure"