2nd July 2025

We all want to do something that makes a difference, to friends and family, to our communities and cities, sometimes even to our countries. In the small town near where I live, I’ve been working on putting a memorial plaque in a little bit of bare ground – well, it was full of weeds and grass before I and a few others cleared it. It commemorates and honours unknown soldiers from past conflicts. We’re planting flowers soon and will have a dedication ceremony. My town is home to just over 7,000 people but probably only a small number of them will see it and probably even fewer will understand and appreciate what it means. 

You’ve probably heard the story about the boy who was throwing starfish back into the ocean after thousands of them had washed on the shore. Someone asked why he bothered, when he could help only a few. He replied that he could make a difference to the ones he threw back. When a great deal of time and effort is expended for a small number of people, a woman I knew used to say, that’s the extravagant love of God! 

Some like to say if there had been only one human on earth, Jesus would still have gone to the cross. That would have been extreme love. But Jesus went to the cross for all of humanity, billions of us, and that was extravagant love. With his death and resurrection, he made a difference for all of us, not just a few. When his arms were nailed to the cross, they reached all the way around the world, to encompass everyone – past, present and future. His love truly is extravagant, higher, wider, deeper and longer than we can even imagine and he gives it to all just as he gives it to one. The extravagant love of God knows no limits, and he is willing to reach down and make a difference to each of us.

First published on 10 June 2025, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.

Local congregation:
You are welcome to attend one of our local church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, Grace Communion International | Grace Communion International under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church