From Mine to Thine

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” — Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)

When Kirk and Jordan were little, Friday nights meant family movie night. During the week, TV time was limited, so these evenings felt special. We’d head to the video store (remember those?) and pick something out together. One of those movies was Finding Nemo. Much of the plot has faded from memory, but one moment remains vivid: a flock of seagulls screeching at each other, “Mine! Mine! Mine!”

That single word captures the spirit of the world. The enemy delights when our hearts turn inward, consumed by self. Sin thrives in inflated opinions, impatience, aggressiveness, and hostility—attitudes that stand in sharp contrast to God’s way.

As a community of faith, called to be beacons of light in the world, we are invited to live differently. Our calling is to embody “Thine” instead of “Mine”—seeking God’s will above our own. Unlike the values prized by the world, God’s way is marked by humility, gentleness, patience, and love. In that love, we both seek and extend forgiveness, offer grace even when it is not asked for, and allow ourselves to be forgiven.

Gracious God, you have shown us the way of humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Free us from the cry of “Mine,” and turn our hearts toward “Thine.”  Teach us to forgive as we have been forgiven, to bear with one another in love, and to shine as beacons of your grace in this world. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Peace & Grace,

Pastor Tim