To be infected by something is usually taken as a negative. We immediately think of bacterial or viral infections. We think of vaccines and illness. It can be more than that. I would argue it can also be positive. What if being infected means you have something so integrated in your body and spirit that you can’t ignore it? It becomes contagious. You have to share it.
I was able to visit the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC. Looking at artifacts for as far back as 2000 BCE was mind boggling. Seeing the pieces of the scrolls with worn edges and gaps in the writings brings a new respect for the experts able to decipher the text and bring history to life.
Trying to soak in all of this powerful history, I rounded a corner with a large stone from the western wall of the second temple. There was a plaque that said, “leaving notes in the cracks of the Western Wall is considered a deeply rooted custom, with evidence of the practice dating back centuries. Please feel free to write a note and place it on the Western Wall Stone.” As I stood there reflecting on what I wanted to leave, the word infected came to me. I want to see humanity infected through their entire bodies with the mercy and grace of God.
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:4-8 NIV)
I was overwhelmed by this incredible gift as I stood at that small section of wall. And, it is my prayer that all will know the love that brings this overpowering grace and mercy. Will you join me in this prayer?
What does it mean to you to be infected with grace and mercy? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.