At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are reminded of the profound truth that Jesus invites us into His presence, regardless of our past or present circumstances. The story of the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet in Luke 7 is a powerful testament to His love and acceptance. Despite her past, Jesus did not shame her; instead, He welcomed her with open arms, saying, “I invited you and I love you.”
Embracing Our Brokenness
We all have moments when we feel out of place, aware of our brokenness and imperfections. Yet, the beauty of the Gospel is that Jesus meets us in our brokenness and offers us a place at His table. As 1 John 1:5-9 reminds us, “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” When we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
This passage encourages us to be honest about our shortcomings. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves. But when we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This is the heart of communion—a moment to come humbly before God, acknowledging our brokenness and receiving His grace.
Finding Belonging in Christ
At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe that everyone is invited to experience the transformative love of Jesus. Our mission, “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us,” calls us to embrace our identity as forgiven and beloved children of God. Through “Just 3″—Study, Share, and Serve—we seek to live out this mission in tangible ways.
- Study: By delving into God’s Word, we learn more about His character and His desire for us to walk in the light. This knowledge empowers us to live authentically and grow in our relationship with Him.
- Share: We are called to share the love and acceptance we have received with others. Just as Jesus welcomed the woman with a past, we strive to create a community where everyone feels valued and loved.
- Serve: Our faith is expressed through acts of service. By serving others, we demonstrate the love of Christ in action and make a positive impact in our community.
Conclusion
The story of the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet is a powerful reminder that we are all invited to find belonging and forgiveness in Christ. At Lakeview Christian Church, we are committed to living out this truth by embracing our brokenness and extending grace to others.
As we gather for communion, let us remember that we no longer live in guilt or shame. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are cleansed and made new. May we continue to walk in the light, sharing His love and serving with humility and compassion. Together, we can be the change that reflects the transformative power of Jesus in our world.
