God's grace is absurd and incredible. It is truly liberating to finally understand that it is by His grace not my works that I am saved. Yet as I come to understand my own salvation, I must also confront the fact that it is not only me on whom God bestows his grace and mercy. The most uncomfortable part of this whole grace thing is that His grace is not just for me, it is for my neighbour, my brother, my enemy. Grace is not for the deserving but the undeserving, not the healthy but the sick. Jesus didn't save you because you are a good person, He did it because you're not and He is! 

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

Luke 6:32-6

How often have you heard someone say "well they choose to be homeless", "well it's because they are alcoholics and drug addicts" or worse "I would never end up there". How often have I heard these words in my heart, coming out of my mouth? As we explore compassion we must recognise that experience of God's grace drives us towards compassion, not for our friends and family, but for the marginalised, the unlovable, the undesirable, the undeserving. Why? Because you were found marginalised from God, unlovable, undesirable, undeserving and He rescues you, not because of who you are, but because of who He is!

As part of Gilead we are starting a cafe for people who are homeless. We are starting just with a one off on the 2nd of June from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. There will be food and drinks, space to chill out, chat and bless anyone who comes along. We would love for you to come along and help out, cook up some burgers, make some tea, and meet some people who are just like you!

Josh K & Jana