AN ABUNDANCE OF MERCY
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-6 (NLT)
May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love.
Jude 1:2 (NLT)
Today, let’s remember the mercy of God.
God has an abundance of mercy. He’s shown His mercy numerous times throughout the Bible. Most importantly, his mercy was shown when He sent His son to die for our sins so we could experience eternity with Him, not only when we die, but now—each day. As broken people who fail to live the way God designed us, the blood of Christ covers our sin and sets us free. Mercy is a characteristic of God that should bring peace and comfort anytime you feel the mistakes are too overwhelming or hope feels too distant. His mercy is enough to overcome the most profound shame, the toughest addiction, or the most painful trials. God’s mercy can set you free from hurt and pain you didn’t think was possible.
Throughout my own recovery journey and the mistakes and failures I’ve made, I thought Jesus was out to punish me for everything I had done. There was no way He would have mercy on me. I figured that trying to find forgiveness for what I’d done was something He would hold over my head forever. At the time (and little did I know), He was waiting with open arms for me to come back to Him. He promises that He has removed our sins and forgiven us, so accept that invitation today.
By His mercy, He wipes those mistakes and failures away and sees us as His perfect, beloved children. If I could leave you with one thing about His mercy, it’s that you don’t have to earn it. You have to accept what was done on the cross. As I’ve since learned, grace is giving us what we didn’t earn, while mercy is Him holding back what we do deserve. Priceless.
APPLICATION: Take a few minutes today to reflect on God’s mercies that you’ve experienced and the sacrifice of His Son.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You for Your new mercies each day. Thank You for sending Your Son to die so I can experience eternity with You. When I forget or feel like I don’t deserve Your mercy, remind me that I don’t deserve it, and that’s why mercy is so good. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?