Transformed by God

This week’s readings trace how God transforms us. In Exodus, through the rescue mission that moved heaven and earth, God freed the people of Israel from slavery and bestowed on them a new identity. The psalm echoes the supernatural events that took place during that rescue and issues a stunning declaration whereby a people who had no homeland become God’s chosen place of dwelling. The passage from Romans illustrates how the change of status before God leads to an internal transformation, which in turn changes how we see others and ourselves. Finally, in Matthew, a parable outlines the root of forgiveness to show the weight of God’s transformation and invites us to model God’s grace.

Read Exodus 14:19-31. What events mark a before and after in your life? How did God show up, and how are you different because of it?
Read Psalm 114. What story do you tell yourself and others about who you are? How has knowing God changed your story?
Read Romans 14:1-12. In what ways has God’s accepting you changed how you accept others? How has God recalibrated how you measure yourself and others?
Read Matthew 18:21-35. When have you found it hardest to forgive someone? What has God forgiven you that changed the way you forgive others?