Become More

It is a human experience to feel anger, a natural response when we witness injustice or see the world fall short of God's Kingdom. Scripture acknowledges this, advising us to "be angry but do not sin" and "not let the sun go down on your anger." This isn't an invitation to suppress our feelings, but a call to transform them. Anger, when held too long, can fester, creating bitterness and division. Yet, it can also serve as a powerful signal, a divine compass pointing to where love and grace are desperately needed. When you feel that visceral surge of indignation, ask yourself: "How can this emotion fuel positive action? How can it motivate me to love God, neighbor, and self more deeply?" Let your anger inspire you to advocate for justice, extend compassion, or seek reconciliation, rather than allowing it to make room for malice. May it be a catalyst for good.

Our words hold immense power. Scripture calls us to put away falsehood and speak truth with your neighbor, recognizing that we are interconnected, members of one another. Yet, simply speaking truth isn't always enough. We are also called to ensure that our words are always "good for building up," giving grace to those who hear. This means choosing language carefully, with an intention to strengthen, encourage, and uplift. Consider today how your words might serve as a bridge, fostering understanding rather than division. It's about more than just honesty; it's about speaking with a loving heart, even when delivering difficult truths. When we approach conversations with a spirit of grace, seeking to build rather than tear down, we honor the sacred bond we share. Let your communication be a source of life and connection, reflecting God's desire for wholeness and community.

This sermon explores the meaning of being "tenderhearted" through the lens of Ephesians 4:25-32, revealing the Greek translation of "good bowled" to emphasize the visceral nature of empathy and compassion. It delves into how a diverse community like ancient Ephesus learned to navigate differences with grace and forgiveness. The message encourages listeners to acknowledge anger as a catalyst for positive change and to live with the constant awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence, extending God's grace to all, especially those we find challenging.

## Living with a Good Bowled Heart We often speak of being "tenderhearted," associating the heart with love and compassion. Yet, for Paul and his original audience in Ephesus, "tenderhearted" wasn't about the anatomical heart. The actual Greek word described being "good bowled" – pointing to our guts. They understood that deep empathy, those visceral reactions when our "hearts break" for someone, are often felt much deeper, in our core. This isn't superficial sentimentality; it's a profound, gut-level connection. Imagine the early Ephesian church, a diverse crossroads of Jews, Greeks, Romans, former slaves, and slave owners, all learning to live as a new community. Paul's message in Ephesians 4 was practical: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you." To be "good bowled" meant engaging with deep, internal compassion for those around you, especially those different or challenging. Paul even acknowledged anger, "Be angry but do not sin." He knew seeing the world fall short of God's Kingdom would stir strong feelings. The challenge wasn't the anger itself, but letting it fester instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to transform it into positive action, into a deeper love for God and neighbor. He reminded them – and us – that the Holy Spirit is present in every interaction, with every person, even the challenging ones. How would our conversations change if we truly recognized God's Spirit in the room? This call to listen, genuinely hear another's truth, and respond with grace, is about building up, not tearing down. It's about speaking truth in love, offering wisdom not to assert dominance, but to uplift and restore, just as God lovingly shares truth to build us up and offers us forgiveness for our own imperfections. This week, consider how you might become more "good bowled" in your interactions. Where can you extend visceral, genuine compassion? When faced with differences or frustrations, how can you acknowledge your feelings, then invite the Holy Spirit to transform them into kindness, forgiveness, or grace? Gracious God, open our guts and our hearts to the deep compassion You call us to embody. Help us to see Your Spirit in every interaction, guiding us to listen, to speak truth in love, and to offer forgiveness as You have so freely offered it to us. Amen.

From the very beginning of creation, rest was established as a divine principle. Even God, after the immense work of creation, rested on the seventh day, not out of weariness, but to behold and bless all that had been made. This sacred rhythm of work and rest is woven into the fabric of existence, and deeply into our own human nature. We are not simply machines designed for perpetual output; we are spiritual beings made in the image of a God who valued stillness. To deny ourselves rest is to resist a fundamental aspect of our design. It is in these moments of cessation that we regenerate, recenter, and reconnect with the source of our strength. Our Methodist tradition emphasizes good works, but these are most impactful when balanced with times of renewal. As you approach the weekend, embrace the inherent need for rest – not as a luxury, but as a spiritual imperative. Allow your body, mind, and spirit to find the restorative peace intended for you.

In our constantly connected world, true rest can be elusive, often disguised as mere escape. We might fill our quiet moments with endless scrolling, consuming content that occupies our minds without truly rejuvenating our spirits. While temporary distractions have their place, genuine rest invites something deeper: a spaciousness where our minds can wander, reflect, and reconnect. Escape seeks to fill every void, to prevent introspection. Rest, by contrast, creates the very void needed for spiritual communion and self-awareness. It's in this quiet openness that we can discern God's whispers, notice the stirrings of our own hearts, and truly listen. Today, examine your 'rest' habits. Are you truly disengaging, or simply trading one form of busyness for another? Choose intentionally to cultivate moments that invite deep connection, rather than just momentary distraction.

True rest is not mere idleness; it is often the very ground where insight and inspiration take root. We often believe that relentless effort is the sole path to solutions, yet history offers countless examples of profound breakthroughs occurring when minds finally disengaged. Imagine a perplexing challenge, something you've wrestled with for days, only to find clarity when you step away, allowing your mind to wander freely. This isn't magic, but a divine principle woven into our being. When we intentionally pause, we create space for the Spirit to move, for new perspectives to emerge. The answers we seek, whether for personal dilemmas or spiritual growth, may not arrive when we are 'banging our head against the wall,' but in the quiet of a cleared mind. Embrace rest today not as a reward, but as a vital practice for unlocking creative thought and receiving God's subtle guidance.

The profound witness of Susanna Wesley reminds us that even in the most chaotic of households, a disciplined life of faith is possible. Amidst the constant demands of raising many children in challenging circumstances, she carved out intentional moments for herself and for God. Her practice of taking an hour, twice a day, with an apron over her head, signaled a sacred boundary. It wasn't an escape, but a purposeful engagement with her inner life and her Creator. This 'method' of seeking quiet can inspire us today. What 'apron' can you metaphorically place over your head to declare a sacred time for God? It might be a specific chair, a quiet corner of your home, or a walk in nature. The discipline isn't about rigid rules, but about recognizing our fundamental need for spiritual nourishment. By intentionally setting aside time for prayer, reflection, or simply being still, we cultivate a deeper connection with the divine and strengthen our spirit for the day's callings.

After pouring themselves out in ministry, the disciples returned to Jesus, no doubt weary yet exhilarated by all they had done. His response was not to demand more, but to offer a profound invitation: "Come away to a deserted place, all by yourselves, and rest a while." This ancient call echoes into our modern lives, often filled with endless tasks and demands. We too can feel the relentless pull of "coming and going," with little leisure time even to nourish our bodies or spirits. Consider this invitation today. What "deserted place" might God be calling you to? It may not be a physical journey, but an intentional turning away from the clamor. It's a sacred pause, not earned after all work is done, but a necessary rhythm for sustained service and spiritual health. Embrace this divine moment to simply be present with God, allowing your soul to breathe and find solace in His presence. Let His invitation be a balm to your weary spirit.

## An Apron Over Your Head: The Radical Act of Rest Imagine a bustling 18th-century home, a parsonage overflowing with children—nineteen born in total, though only nine survived to adulthood. This was the world of Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles, the founders of Methodism. Her husband was often absent, sometimes even imprisoned for debt, and their home burned down twice. Susanna managed the household, cooked, cleaned, and homeschooled all her children in a constant cycle of life, grief, and chaos. Survival demanded a method, a disciplined approach to life. Amidst this overwhelming reality, Susanna found a radical practice: twice a day, she would sit in the kitchen, throw her apron over her head, and for an hour, no one dared disturb her. This was her time for intentional quiet, for rest, and for deep communion with God. You might feel a similar push and pull in your own life today. The world around us is every bit as busy and demanding as Susanna's, constantly vying for our attention. We are made in God's image, and even God rested on the seventh day. Jesus, too, understood this fundamental need. After sending his disciples out on a powerful ministry, only for them to return energized yet also grieving the death of John the Baptist, Jesus didn't push them to do more. Instead, he saw their need and invited them away to a deserted place to "rest a while." He recognized that busyness, even in good work, can deplete us. Rest isn't a reward you earn after all the work is done; it's a vital practice that recharges your spirit and reconnects you to yourself and to God, preparing you for the work ahead. It's not about escaping through endless distractions, but about allowing your mind to wander, to clear, and to be open to divine inspiration. Like Susanna, who found inspiration for raising her children, or the many historical figures who had breakthroughs during moments of quiet, intentional rest allows us to be renewed and strengthened for our daily lives and our call to love God, neighbor, and self. **The Practice:**

What might your "apron over your head" moment look like today? Consider intentionally setting aside a brief, undistracted time each day or week for true rest—not escape—to simply be present with God and yourself. It could be a quiet walk, a few minutes of silent reflection, or simply turning off the screens to allow your mind to wander. **The Prayer:**

Gracious God, in the midst of our busy lives, remind us of our deep need for rest and renewal. Help us to create space for intentional quiet, not as a luxury, but as a discipline that draws us closer to You and strengthens us for Your service. Amen.