As individuals, we mature and progress in our relationship with God. We also mature and progress in our understanding and application of God's Word.

Our world, nation and community need the message of Jesus' Gospel teachings of grace through tolerance more than ever. There is a need for wise and effective teachers and witnesses of those teachings. Besides spiritual leadership there is a need for loving tolerance of people with different beliefs and lifestyles. Just as Jesus modeled such behavior towards those he personally encountered, we as his believers need to model such a lifestyle. May we always be reminded of the great admonition from Billy Graham, "It's the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge, and my job to love."

The believer's academic understanding of scripture has little meaning unless there is day-to-day application of our faith knowledge. May God forgive us when we fail to be the peacemakers in our communities. May his grace through tolerance enable us to become his voice and his actions in our walk with him.