In this second reading from Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia, Paul starts from his own context. It is his faith journey that informs his preaching. His own personal experiences of the radical presence of divine grace are intimately connected to his view of faith. They cannot be separated from one another. Before he dives into theological arguments, he begins with his own faith story.

We can learn from the example of Paul. Change begins with honest storytelling; truth telling which reveals our mistakes, coupled with intentional, active listening which does not try to gloss over the differences among us.

How do your encounters with God affect your views on faith? on religion? on politics?