Epic Family,

There are so many loud voices in our world right now. And if we aren’t careful, we will begin to think that the loudest voices are the truest voices. Here are a few of the voices that seem to be dominating in our world right now:

The Condemning Voice. The Canceling Voice. The Voice of Despair.  

But there’s another voice. It might not be as loud as these. In fact, at times it’s a “gentle” whisper. While it doesn’t carry the same volume, it’s actually a truer voice. And it sounds way different than the dominant voices in our world.

A Voice of Grace. In John 8, a woman caught in the act of adultery is brought before Jesus. She’s surrounded by men who have loud voices of condemnation. Jesus is put on the spot. How will he respond? He silences these men and then says these words to this woman: “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” The loud voices brought condemnation, but the truest voice gave her grace.  

A Voice of Mercy. Cancel culture has become a thing this year. And just so you know, I certainly think that we all need to be called out at times and we must take ownership of wrongs we have committed. But I’m so grateful that Jesus doesn’t cancel us. In fact, he chose to cancel and forgive our sin, rather than choosing to cancel us. I don’t know everything about your past sins or even what you have done this week that was a mistake. But I do know God’s voice is one of mercy, not cancellation. Ephesians 2:4-5 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.  

A Voice of Hope. For the sake of honesty, I’ll admit it - 2020 has been terrible in many ways. And everyone seems to be taking the “sky is falling” approach. I get it. But I also know there’s another voice and this voice isn’t dependent on our circumstances. It’s the voice of hope. Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Even in hard times, we don’t have to give in to the voices of despair. God is a promise-keeper, which means you can become a hope-keeper.

Are you listening to the voice of condemnation or the voice of grace?

Are you tuning in to the voice that cancels or to the voice that offers mercy?

Are you hearing the voice that brings despair or the voice that delivers hope?

May you hear the truest voice today.

Much Love,