By Esther Hernandez

 

Wow!  “Heart Wide Open” just gets better and better. Meaning that God continues to move in my heart and allows me to see wonderful things in His word and in His people.  “May We Have Permission To Slap ‘Em Silly In Jesus’ Name” touched a time in my heart that I will never forget, nor do I want to.

 

This lesson reminded us that we need to extend some grace and put on love for our sisters and brothers who may be weak, going through difficult times – life, or possibly illness, and have offended us in some way or another.  As Spirit-filled believers, God’s love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom.5:5).  Jesus not only commands us to love one another as He has loved us but to forgive one another as He has forgiven us.

 

In the lesson the question was asked of us: Describe a time when a fellow believer showed you grace and love when you didn’t deserve it.  I can.

 

When God saved me, He miraculously delivered me from sin and death, drugs, alcohol, smoking, dejection and the feeling of hopelessness. I served Him faithfully for several years but then backslid for about 15 years.

 

When I came to my senses, I repented and came back to my home church, Praise Center.  The grace extended to me after turning my back on God was life-giving.  The Church could have easily done what other religious organizations do when a person/member deserts them.  I not only deserted my family but trampled on the precious blood of our Lord and Savior.

 

Our dear Sister Dolores befriended me, took me under her wings and mentored me. What a great and wonderful expression of the love of God in the hearts of His children — mercy, compassion, unmerited favor, kindness.

 

ABBA Father, Thank You, for my family at Praise Center Church.  They remind me of You.

 

In His Service,

 

Esther Hernandez