At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are continually reminded of the profound truth that God offers us restoration and redemption. This truth is beautifully encapsulated in Psalm 103:10-13, which speaks of God’s steadfast love and compassion. As we reflect on these verses, we are encouraged to live out our mission: “Be the change as Jesus has changed us,” through our “Just 3” approach—Study, Share, and Serve.
Study: Understanding God’s Compassion
Psalm 103:10-13 reveals the depth of God’s mercy: “He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.” This passage reminds us that God’s love is immeasurable, as high as the heavens are above the earth. As we study these scriptures, we are called to understand and embrace the compassion God shows us, just as a father shows compassion to his children. This understanding is foundational to our faith, as it reassures us that no matter where we’ve been or how we’ve failed, God’s love and forgiveness are always available to us (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Share: Proclaiming Forgiveness
The story of Peter’s restoration is a powerful example of how Jesus offers forgiveness and calls us to action. When Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” and instructed him to “feed my sheep,” it was a call to share the message of forgiveness and redemption with others. At Lakeview Christian Church, we are committed to sharing this message with our community and beyond. We believe that knowing Jesus and experiencing His forgiveness compels us to proclaim His love and grace to others (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
Serve: Living Out Life Change
Returning to Jesus is not just about seeking forgiveness; it’s about embracing life change and putting love into action. As we serve others, we demonstrate the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives. Serving is an expression of our love for God and our commitment to living out His call to care for His people. At Lakeview Christian Church, we encourage everyone to find ways to serve, whether within the church or in the broader community, as a reflection of the love and compassion we have received from Christ (James 2:14-17).
Conclusion: Be the Change
As we gather for communion, we are reminded that our hope lies in our relationship with Jesus. It doesn’t matter where we’ve been or how we’ve missed the mark; what matters is who we know—Jesus Christ. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are called to be the change as Jesus has changed us. By studying God’s Word, sharing His message of forgiveness, and serving others, we live out our mission and reflect the love of Christ in the world.
Let us embrace this call with gratitude and determination, knowing that as we follow Jesus, we are part of His redemptive work. As we do so, may we hold fast to the promise of Psalm 103, that God’s compassion is boundless and His forgiveness is complete.
