“Work in Progress”
By Dianne Prince
“And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.” —Jeremiah 18:4 (NKJV)
Today’s scripture reminds us that we are all a work in progress. God is continually molding us, shaping our character, and smoothing out the rough edges within us.
Each of us has flaws—habits, attitudes, or behaviors that can frustrate others. Some struggle more than others. Yet God loves us just as we are. In that same spirit, we are called to extend grace to one another. Let us be quick to embrace each other’s shortcomings and encourage one another to grow, improve, and become more like Christ.
Life is short. Relationships matter. And peace with others is not optional. It is a command from God. We are called to love those who are different from us and to be patient with those who seem difficult. If there is someone you have been avoiding—a relative, friend, or colleague—because they have more issues than you care to handle, today is a good day to pray and reach out. Offer grace. Show love. Speak a kind word. You never know how your gesture might impact their life. A simple act of kindness may be the spark that helps reset their perspective.
God is pleased when we take the initiative to love the unlovable, to pursue the one who has drifted away, and to extend grace to those who test our patience. As you do so, remember: we are all under construction. Just as God patiently works on us, let us be patient with others. We are all being shaped by the same loving hands.