We face a choice between two paths: one of violence and retribution, the other of grace and forgiveness. The cycle of violence leads to destruction, for ourselves and others, perpetuating endless harm. Yet, grace offers another way—one that seeks healing, restoration, and the possibility of redemption. It is not always easy to believe that love is more powerful than hatred, life more powerful than death, and that people can be better than the worst thing they’ve done. It’s not an easy choice, but it’s a necessary one. We cannot live in both worlds; we must decide which order we will embody. Living by grace requires active engagement, faith, and the belief that transformation is possible. Our choice determines the world we help create.
May we choose the power of love,
believing that it can transform even the darkest parts
of ourselves and the world.
(inspired by Shane Claiborne, Executing Grace; Karl Barth, Dogmatics in Outline; Melissa Florer-Bixler, How to Have an Enemy)