Expressions of Faith
A lesson in grace, warmth

By Russell Stephen Pang

Heart: How do you put up with that woman we work with? She's driving me crazy.

Head: I view it as a challenge, an opportunity to express God's love.

Heart: But she is so negative, so sarcastic. I don't want to be near her.

Head: Behind her facade is probably a very scared and insecure person.

Heart: So? I just don't see why we are involved with her. She shows us zero respect and puts us down whenever the opportunity arises.

Head: God wants to teach us something. There's a lesson for us here.

Heart: Yeah, like what? I vote we transfer to another department. Life is too short for this nonsense of self-imposed stress and mental anguish.

Head: Perhaps you should look at her from God's perspective.

Heart: You mean he likes her?

Head: Love is a more appropriate word. Like us, she is a sinner who needs Jesus in her life. Paul taught that the enemy of our souls blinds the spiritual eyes of those who don't believe.

Heart: So you think God wants to teach us about grace and compassion?

Head: You're a quick study. We are Christ's ambassadors, and he will use us wherever he places us.

Heart: You firmly believe Jesus will use us as his witness, to be his "salt and light"?

Head: Absolutely. Jesus desires to share his love with anyone and everyone. We just need to see his hand of love behind every situation the Holy Spirit brings our way.

Heart: Maybe I've been too hard on her. I'm beginning to see her in a different light.

Head: Good. Here's my plan. We'll share with her later today that we want to be her friend.

Heart: That should be good for a laugh. Instant rejection. Only kidding.

Head: We might face rejection but we'll just turn the other cheek, like Jesus taught. If we keep our focus on God's higher purpose and not get overly emotional, we should persevere through any temporary setback.

Heart: I'm sure I love God and want to obey him, but do you really think we can always be obedient to his commandments?

Head: You bring up an interesting point. I believe if it is truly our will, our desire to be obedient, then the Holy Spirit enables us and "we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us."

Heart: That is a very comforting thought and a real faith builder.

Head: I agree. Our teacher and comforter, the Holy Spirit, is pleased with believers who will fully commit their lives to his leadings.

Heart: I never realized that scripture could be so alive and exciting. I can hardly wait until we share with our new friend.

Russell Stephen Pang is a deacon at First Presbyterian Church in Makiki, and leader of its Divorce Care and Grief Share ministries.

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