“Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4: 19-20)

Dear my church family,

I am pastor Sophia. This week, I have been thinking about something simple but important: good sense.

Not just intelligence or knowledge, but wisdom that comes from God. God’s wisdom teaches us to slow down, listen carefully, treat people kindly, forgive generously, and choose love instead of fear.

Honestly, our world sometimes seems to be losing that kind of sense. People become quick to argue, quick to judge, and slow to show compassion. Sometimes we see decisions that make us wonder, “What were they thinking?”

Of course, if we are honest, we have all had moments like that ourselves. Maybe not putting metal in the microwave level mistakes… but close!

This Sunday we will reflect on Acts 4, where Peter and John are questioned after healing a man in the name of Jesus. Instead of responding with fear, anger, or bitterness, they stand with courage and clarity. They say:

“We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)

What touches me most about this story is that the early believers followed God’s good sense instead of the world’s fear. They prayed together. They stayed united. They cared for people in need. They encouraged one another. They chose courage over control and compassion over pride.

Honestly, that still sounds like the kind of church the world needs today.

I am thankful because I already see those beautiful moments happening at Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church. I see kindness, quiet generosity, faithful prayers, caring phone calls, shared meals, and people showing up for one another during difficult times.

Those things matter more than we realize.

There may also be a few smiles and laughs this Sunday. After all, God has always worked through imperfect people. Peter himself had a habit of speaking first and thinking later, so some of us may relate to him more than we would like to admit!

Thank you for being my church family. I truly look forward to worshiping together this Sunday.

May God give you peace in your heart, wisdom in your decisions, strength for the week ahead, and maybe even the ability to remember where you left your phone. Amen.