Honestly, this is my favorite prayer in the Bible. Not because it's the most eloquent, or the most theologically precise. Because it's the most true.

"I believe; help my unbelief."

Seven words that hold the whole complicated reality of what faith actually feels like from the inside — at least for me. Not the version we think we're supposed to have. The real thing. The version that shows up at two in the morning when the problem is real, and the prayer I've been praying for years still hasn't been answered.

I believe. And also — I'm not sure. Both things, at the same time, in the same breath.

This father has been watching his son suffer since childhood. Seizures. Falls into fire, into water. Years of this. He came to Jesus's disciples first, and they couldn't help. So by the time Jesus arrives, this man's faith has been through things that would test anyone's. When he says "if you can do anything," that if is doing a lot of work. It's not the language of someone standing on solid ground. It's the language of someone who has hoped before and learned to be careful about hoping.

And Jesus doesn't rebuke him for the if. Doesn't send him away to shore up his faith before coming back. He heals the boy.

What gets me about this story is that the man's prayer is essentially an admission of failure. By every standard of confident, mountain-moving faith, he's falling short. He knows it. He says so out loud, right there in front of Jesus.

And that turns out to be exactly the right thing to say.

I think about all the times I've stayed quiet in prayer because I didn't feel certain enough. All the times I've dressed up my doubts in more acceptable language because I was afraid that bringing my actual faith — small and mixed and honest as it is — wouldn't be enough. As if Jesus needed me to perform certainty before he could work.

This father didn't perform anything. He just told the truth.

Maybe that's what faith actually looks like most of the time. Not a feeling of absolute certainty. Not the absence of doubt. Just the honesty to say out loud what's actually true — I believe this, but I'm not sure I believe it enough. And somehow, in this story, that admission is the very thing Jesus works with.

Jesus doesn't fill up the father's faith like a tank running low. He responds to the father's honesty. That's a different kind of grace entirely — one that meets us in our transparency rather than waiting for our certainty.

And that prayer has never been turned away. Ever.

Lord, we believe. Help our unbelief. We don't bring you our certainty — we rarely have enough. We bring you the truth about where we actually are. Meet us there. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Cliff McCartney.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

This passage is probably written in the late 1st century by the same John who wrote the Gospel of John. But it could also have been written in the late 21st century by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, an African Episcopalian leader and visionary. The life of Desmond Tutu reveals how God's word is alive and powerful in our time.

Desmond Tutu lived in South Africa in the late 20th century when 'apartheid', the separation of whites and blacks, severely limited the rights of South African blacks. Working with Nelson Mandela, who had been imprisoned 27 years for his opposition to apartheid, Tutu opposed hatred and embraced love. After Mandela was released from prison and became President of South Africa, he appointed Tutu to oversee the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a body that helped South Africa heal from the crimes of apartheid through confession by those who committed the crimes, forgiveness by those who suffered, and restitution to those who had been abused.

Both Mandela and Tutu embraced the African concept of ubuntu (ooh-boon-too). In Tutu's words, "It refers to gentleness, to compassion, to hospitality, to openness to others, to vulnerability, to be available to others and to know that you are bound up with them in the bundle of life."

In his book, God Has a Dream: A Vision of Hope for our Time, Desmond Tutu states, "We tend to think love is a feeling, but it is not. Love is an action; love is something we do for others." He further says, "For he who would love God must love his brother also. And so the divine judgment about our fitness for heaven will be based not on whether we went to church, whether we prayed or did other equally important religious things. No, Jesus says it will be based on whether we fed the hungry, clothed the naked. We do this not because of our politics, but because of our religion. Blessed be God our God for being such a God."

Throughout his lifetime, Desmond Tutu received over 100 honorary degrees. In 1984 he received the Nobel Peace Prize . He was often compared to Martin Luther King, and Jesse Jackson referred to him as the "Martin Luther King of Africa." But he remained a humble man.

Tutu believed that "The evil that we do to one another is much easier to see than the everyday acts of goodness and generosity that we do for one another in the sweep of human history. But ultimately this tally of history does not tell us whether God has a plan or a dream. It simply tells us to what extent we have chosen to heed God's call, to become partners with God in realizing His dream."

Dear Lord, give us the courage and faith to live into your dream for the world even if we cannot see its fruition in our time. Help us to love not with words or speech but with actions and truths. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

This podcast was written by Laura Derr and read by Judy Wilson.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Welcome to the Saturday episode of the Grace for All podcast. Thank you for joining us today. Saturday is a special time when we take a few moments to review the scriptures that we have cited in the episodes this week.

If you missed any of those episodes, you might want to consider listening to them today. And even if you heard them all, there may be one that you might want to listen to again. We hope that each of these scriptures and podcasts will bring you a full measure of joy, peace, and love.

Now, let's listen to the scriptures that have been on our hearts this week.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Aha!

Jesus’ audience now knew how to deal with those unrepentant people in their midst.

Treat them as a Gentile! Gentiles are unclean and uncalled and meant to be shunned! But wait. How did Jesus treat Gentiles? He healed a foreign leper and nine of his fellows. He gave special recognition to this foreigner for his appreciation when he returned to give thanks to Jesus for healing him. And Jesus healed the servant of the centurion, acknowledging the centurion’s great faith and belief in his authority. And he made the Samaritan an example of mercy when the priest and the Levite passed by on the other side of the road. So Jesus acknowledged Gentiles and foreigners as worthy of his love and compassion.

OK, but what about tax collectors?! They cheated their own people and lined their pockets with the exorbitant taxes that they levied on their neighbors. They were not worthy to be associated with. This is how we should be treating the unrepentant sinner! But wait. Jesus called Matthew from his tax-collecting booth to be a disciple and then went to his house to eat with his tax-collector friends and other sinners. Jesus called down Zacchaeus from the tree and joined him for a meal at his home. And he used the repentant tax collector as a foil for the proud Pharisee when teaching about true prayer.

Jesus showed love and compassion for those who were the lowest of the low, the Gentiles and tax collectors, in the eyes of his audience, and said to treat the unrepentant sinner just the same. In the words of Rachel Held Evans, “Jesus talked theology with women. He hung out with sex workers and tax collectors. He drew crowds made up of the sick and the poor. He criticized religious leaders who try to slam the door to the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces.”

How often do we automatically discard and shun those that we feel are unworthy of our love and care simply because we believe they haven’t properly acknowledged and repented of sins we feel that they have committed? How did Jesus treat the Gentiles and tax collectors, and all the other “less than” people of his time? This must be our example of how we treat others regardless of their perceived shortcomings. Inclusion. Compassion. Healing. Love. That is our example and our charge.

Again, to quote Rachel Held Evans, “…at the end of the day, we’re all in this Kingdom thing together. We’re all loved by God, all in desperate need of grace, all in need of one another. In a sense, we’re all outliers.”

Dear Father, forgive us when we judge and consider others as unworthy of our love. Teach us to forever examine the example of Jesus and model our own behavior towards others after him. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Charlie Barton.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Winter, and the shortest, darkest days of the year, began about a month ago with the Winter Solstice. We will not see longer or lighter days, however, for another several weeks. This time of year is hard for me. I do not mind the cold, but the long, dark days of January and February zap my energy and dampen my spirit. I search for things that energize me and give me purpose to utilize my days wisely.

However, when Paul writes in Ephesians that they – and we – are light and that we are to live as children of the light, he isn't talking about bright, sunny days, He is writing about the light that comes from making Christ the center of our lives and following Jesus' example of how to live. In other parts of this chapter, as well as in other letters in the New Testament, Paul admonishes the Ephesian followers of Christ to avoid sexual impurity, vulgar talk, greed. And listening to and following those who are untruthful - in other words, to seek the will of the Lord and carry it out, to be imitators of God. We are to live in love, as Christ loved us.

Living this way in the first century in Ephesus was likely no easier than it is for us in 2026. Ephesus was a beautiful, vibrant city, populated with prosperous and powerful men as well as merchants, laborers, and slaves. Among ancient cities, it was considered an equal with Rome and Alexandria. Along with the wealth and Roman influence came many opportunities for what Paul calls "unclean living." A new follower would find many temptations to lead him or her astray. Today we are bombarded by a 24-hour news cycle filled with pundits presenting very different opinions and versions of events. They cannot all be telling the truth. And then we are told that the American dream involves a certain car, house, possessions, and even a certain "appearance" we must present. And worst of all, many people have their own versions of what love is and who is worthy of it. We hear and see hate in their words and actions. None of this is Christ-like. It is in stark contrast to the clear message of Christ: love one another as we love ourselves. Care for the sick, the poor, the immigrant in our land. Our lives should demonstrate the way of love and light.

There are those who say it is not possible to live this way in the 21st century, that modern people must compete, love those who can help them, and build wealth and power for themselves.

I know it is possible to live as a child of the light, but it involves hard choices and strength found only in the Holy Spirit. Here is a prayer for me and for you in 2026.

Heavenly Father, we praise you and thank you for all the good and beautiful things in our lives. We want to live as children of the light, but we are weak. May the Holy Spirit fill us with the courage and strength required to love others as ourselves and to seek and carry out your will in our homes, churches, communities, and the world. Amen

This devotion was written and read by Pat Scruggs

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

This passage comes from the end of the story of the woman caught in adultery. In it, the scribes and Pharisees come to the temple where Jesus was teaching, bringing a woman who was caught in the act of a sin that is punishable by stoning. Many of us are familiar with this story, or at least we're familiar with the famous line Jesus says to the crowd just before the verses I read a moment ago: "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."

This is a powerful reminder that we are all sinners. It's a powerful reminder to hold our judgment, since we are not above reproach ourselves. It's a powerful reminder that Jesus intercedes for us when we are facing our hardest times.

But the way this passage concludes is the most dramatic of all its lessons. After saying that whoever is without sin could cast the first stone, of course none in the crowd could throw a stone. But there was one person without sin there — Jesus. And his response is "Neither do I condemn you." The very one who could have cast judgment and condemnation instead chooses to show mercy and grace. He tells her to go on her way and do better — he chooses to encourage rather than to punish.

More often than not, we see ourselves as the Pharisees and scribes, reminding ourselves that we are sinners, too (even if we try to mitigate our sinfulness by telling ourselves it isn't as bad as that of others). Or maybe sometimes, we see ourselves as the woman in this parable, standing in the need of mercy and grace. And that's understandable. We all mess up, and I would venture a guess that we all mess up lots. But there is still more to be learned from this lesson. Sometimes, we are Jesus in this story. Sometimes, we are the ones who have the power to extend grace and mercy and compassion. The really humbling thing about God's grace is that we don't deserve it and we certainly didn't earn it. But so often, people in our lives are going to mess up. They're going to do something that really lets us down, disappointing us or even frustrating us. In those moments, we as followers of Jesus are supposed to dig deep to not only forgive them but to find encouragement for them like he gave the woman here.

That's tough for me. I'm sure it's tough for many of you, too. But the irony is that when we struggle with extending grace, we end up back in the position of the woman caught in sin, standing in the need of grace ourselves. So, let's do our best to always be in the position of Jesus here, giving grace generously, even when it isn't earned or even deserved.

Merciful, gracious, and loving God, your compassion for us is truly awe-inspiring. Help us to do better at being your people by offering grace to those in our lives, too. Let us not be stingy with it but lavish, just as you are with us. And may doing so help us to remain grateful for the mercy you show us, too. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Dwight Dockery.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Jesus says this is a "new commandment." But love itself is not new. Long before Jesus, scripture had already summed up faithful living this way. Love God with everything you are, and love your neighbor as yourself. That much was already familiar. What is new is the standard. Just as I have loved you. That phrase quietly changes everything. Loving my neighbor as myself still leaves me as the measure. Loving as Jesus loves replaces my instincts with his example.

Jesus spells that out a little later. In John 15:13, he says, "No one has greater love than to give up one's life for one's friends." He is not offering a metaphor. He is describing what he is about to do. Here in the Knoxville area, that kind of love has a name we recognize. Many of us cross the Zaevion Dobson Memorial Bridge over I-275 without thinking much about it, but that bridge bears the name of a 15-year-old who, in a moment of gunfire, chose not to run. He threw himself over three friends to shield them. They lived. He did not.

Zaevion did not pause to weigh outcomes or calculate costs. He acted out of love that put others first, love that absorbed danger so others could be spared. That is not sentimental love. That is costly love.

Jesus does not command us merely to be kind, agreeable, or well-intentioned. He commands us to love in a way shaped by the cross. Love that risks itself love that interrupts our self-protection love that shows up when it would be easier to step back most of us will never face a moment like Zaevion's but every day presents smaller chances to live by the same pattern to listen when we would rather disengage to stand with someone who may cost us comfort or approval to choose compassion over convenience. This is how the world recognizes disciples of Jesus.

Not by what we claim, but by how we love. As he loved us.

Jesus, you loved us without counting the cost. Shape our love to look more like yours. Give us courage to love when it is hard, and faithfulness to love when it is costly. And we ask this in the name of Jesus, our example. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Jesus commands his followers to love as he loves. He does not suggest that it would be a good idea, or that it's something nice to do. He does not mince words at all. "This is my commandment," he says. And then, he makes it clear that by loving one another, he does not mean only that we should be fond of one another, or have good intentions toward each other. The kind of love Jesus is talking about is sacrificial. It puts the other first. Loving like Jesus means being willing to give up everything for the needs of another person, even to the point of death.

Throughout history, there have been those who are willing to love with the boldness, and the selflessness, of Jesus. Some have given up their lives to stand with the vulnerable, to speak out for the oppressed, just as Jesus did. There have also been many who claim to follow Jesus, but whose actions betray their true motives of selfishness and personal gain.

Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker whose family sheltered hundreds of Jews during the Holocaust. Corrie and her family were deeply convicted by their Christian faith to provide refuge and safe passage for their Jewish neighbors through the Dutch underground, but they were ultimately betrayed and arrested for their courage and sacrifice. Corrie survived the concentration camps. Many members of her family did not.

At a pivotal and dangerous time in history, the ten Booms understood Jesus' commandment to love as he loved, and they were willing to risk their lives in order to live it. How is Jesus calling us to love one another as he loves today?

Lord Jesus, you have given us a powerful and challenging mandate, to love one another as you have loved us. Inhabit our hearts. Embolden our actions. And strengthen us to follow you, amen.

This devotional was written and read by Greta Smith

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.