Living in the Grace of God
On March 18, two astronauts safely returned to Earth. Their return became a major topic because, originally, they were scheduled to stay in space for only eight days, but due to mechanical issues, their return was delayed. They ended up spending 286 days—almost nine months—in space. Such an extended period in space has a significant impact on the human body. Immediately after landing on Earth, these astronauts found it difficult to stand or walk on their own. To return to their normal daily lives, they must undergo several weeks of rehabilitation. Photos released to the media show them seated on EMS stretchers, unable to support their own weight. This is due to the difference in gravitational forces between space and Earth. In space, there is zero gravity, which means everything floats freely. However, on Earth, gravity—the force that pulls us toward the ground—is constantly at work. The remarkable thing is that we do not consciously feel this force. Gravity affects us every moment, allowing us to stand, dive into water, or slide down a playground slide. Though we live under the constant influence of gravity, we rarely recognize or think about it because our bodies have already adapted to it.
God’s grace operates in a similar way. Just as we live under the force of gravity without being fully aware of it, we also live in God’s grace without always recognizing it. Because God’s grace feels so natural, we often take it for granted. God has given us the breath of life, the ability to think, unique talents that set us apart, and the gift of family and friends to journey through life with us. All these things—so familiar and ordinary—are actually gifts of grace from God. Even when we are unaware, we are already living within the grace of God. Moreover, it is through this grace that we come to know God, recognize our sinful nature, and accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. Without grace, we cannot truly live, and our lives lose their meaning. In April, we remember and experience the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice and victory over death, we, too, have received the grace of salvation. My hope is that this April will be a time for us to realize and experience the grace that has always been with us—the grace of God that leads us to salvation through Jesus Christ.
Jinha Choi
First & Wesley United Methodist Church