Whispers of Grace - Embracing the Cruciform Life

We’re deep into our “Whispers of Grace” series, and today we’re tackling a powerful, perhaps unsettling, concept: the cross. More specifically, we’re exploring cruciformity – the idea of being formed to the way of the crucifixion. Sounds terrible, right? Jesus himself said, “If you’re going to follow me, every day you have to take up your cross.” This doesn’t exactly align with the “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life” sales pitch many of us heard when we first started walking with Jesus.

How do “wonderful plan” and “take up your cross daily” go together? It’s a tough question, and one we need to wrestle with. Our focus this morning, as we journey through these 15 New Testament words of life, is on First and Second Corinthians.

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#Wordle 1,443 4/6*

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The #OldGal bested me today with a 3. Hopefully, the rest of the #YoungPups fare better.

These sunrises always get me in the summer! Good morning! May you choose to connect with community and relationships today. #MorningMug

A hand holds a mug by a window overlooking a suburban backyard with a sunrise in the background.

Ten week streak of a minimum of five intentional workouts. #Discipline2025

A 10-week workout streak is displayed, showing a detailed workout schedule for March 29-31, 2025, with offers and a URL for more information.A workout summary from the Fitbod app highlights exercises focusing on back, forearms, biceps, and lower back, detailing calories burned, weight volume, and personal records.

Good morning! I hope you have fun today. Just go out and do something that brings you joy! Today, I get to hang out with my guy, Andy doing a binge of Kenobi. #MorningMug

A person is holding a black mug with the words "BIGGBY COFFEE" printed on it, in a room with blinds covering the windows.

#Wordle 1,442 3/6*

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The #OldGal could only muster a 4 today. Victory! Happy Saturday #YoungPups!

Celebrating 12 years in Ypsi by bringing Amy to the Wurst Bar for the first time.

(Sadly, they don’t have the marshmallow dip for the sweet potato tots anymore 😞)

Today’s lift is done! It was tough. But it is done! #Discipline2025

A workout summary card features exercises targeting abs, chest, and triceps, along with calories burned and total weight lifted.

Good morning! Clear that to-do off your list that is causing you stress so you can enjoy the weekend. #MorningMug

A hand is holding a black mug with a silver fern logo and the words "New Zealand" printed on it.

#Wordle 1,441 4/6*

⬛🟨⬛⬛⬛ ⬛⬛🟨⬛⬛ ⬛🟨⬛⬛🟨 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

The #OldGal posted a 3! Unreal!

#Wordle 1,440 4/6*

⬛🟨⬛🟩⬛ ⬛⬛🟩🟩🟩 ⬛⬛🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

The #OldGal scored a 3! We might be in trouble today, #YoungPups.

Good morning! May you persist today. #MorningMug

A hand holds a speckled mug with the phrase "AND SO BEGINS THE Adventure" and a mountain and tree design, set against a background of window blinds and a dimly lit room.

As I sit and ponder “The Cross” today in preparation for my message on Sunday, I was reminded again that 1 Corinthians 13 needs to be a grounding text for Christians. It is the practical outworking of what it means to live a “cruciform” life.

An image quoting 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”