"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13).
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7).
Many misunderstand God’s ways concerning His mercy as if we qualify as recipients based on our mercy to others. When we give to people in need or opt not to complain about lousy service at a restaurant, we are extending a form of mercy. But it’s our human inclination to think that if God sees our efforts, He’ll, in turn, be more merciful to us if we do “just a little more.” The good news is, that God doesn’t base His mercy on how well we perform, tallying our good deeds. He has extended the gift of His mercy without our having done anything to deserve it!
Jesus was sent to the world to save us from sin. Our ability to show mercy is not the qualification for His forgiveness. Jesus paid that debt, and we don’t have to do anything but accept Him for His grace AND mercy to flow freely. We show mercy to others because of God’s love in us by His Spirit—shining on those around us. What a testimony to how Jesus changes lives! When we bless others, we in turn ARE blessed!
Guiding Points:
Call to Action: Let the light of God shine on those around you, even if it’s just a smile or a small gesture of kindness. We are the hands and feet of Jesus!
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:6).
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your unfailing mercy! Help me to be more like You and show mercy and love to all who cross my path—even those that may not be deserving. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to take my place on Calvary, paying the debt I could not pay. In Your precious name, we pray, Amen!
Final Thought: It doesn’t matter what we did yesterday. God’s mercy is new every day and available through Christ Jesus!
God’s Mercy: New Every Day!
Focus on the Fruits! KINDNESS
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
Responding to the Call: Embracing Jesus as Our King
“The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:17-19).
Choosing a Soft Heart: Rekindling Your Hearts Compassion
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8).
Focus on the Fruits! PATIENCE
“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
God’s Shining Face: The Profound Impact on Our Lives
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24- 26).
Focus on the Fruits! PEACE
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
The Wisdom of Ecclesiastes: A Journey Towards Divine Purpose
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Focus on the Fruits! JOY
“God will let you laugh again; you’ll raise the roof with shouts of joy” (Job 8:20).
Taking Up the Mantle: Your Role in Expanding God’s Kingdom
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).