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1. God Sees the Multitudes with Compassion

(Matthew 9:35-36)

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. [36] When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:35-36)

“The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.’ But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish…” (Jonah 1:1-6)

God shows us in His Word that His heart is full of compassion. Just as Jesus looked at the crowds with mercy, healing the sick and restoring lives, God also wanted to show His love to the city of Nineveh by calling Jonah to preach repentance to them. Many times, we may act like Jonah and run away from God’s calling, but His grace reaches us and reminds us that His desire is to save and restore.

2. God’s Grace Is a Gift We Do Not Deserve

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Sin separates us from God and condemns us to death, but in His infinite grace, God offers us the gift of eternal life through Jesus. There is nothing we can do to earn His favor; it is a gift He gives us out of love. Our response to this grace should be to seek His kingdom and live according to His righteousness.

3. God Saved Us by His Grace for Good Works

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8-10)

“John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, ‘This is the one I spoke about when I said, “He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.” Out of His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.’” (John 1:15-17)

“Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.” (Psalm 35:2)

God not only saves us by grace but also calls us to live in that grace and fulfill the purpose for which we were created. We are His masterpiece, and He has prepared good works in advance for us to walk in them. When we face difficulties or attacks, His grace remains our defense and strength.

God’s grace is the most precious gift we can receive. He looks at us with compassion, offers us salvation we do not deserve, and empowers us to fulfill His will. Let us live each day with gratitude for His grace and share it with others, reflecting His love in the world.

Sincerely,
Pastor Guillermo Ayala