Wednesday, June 24, 2009

In Christ - We Have Mercy

Continuing who we are and what we have in Christ, I want to talk about mercy. Mercy is something we talk about, we ask for, we receive, but do we live like we receive mercy? Do we think mercy is for everyone but us?

The Bible tells us this:

On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."

If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Think about mercy...do you receive it, do you extend it? I don't know how people live without the Lord, but I really do not know how Christians who don't believe they are worthy of receiving mercy get out of bed each day much less attempt ministry.

Live out what you are - s redeemed child of the Most High God...He paid everthing to save you and me. Because you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

2 comments:

luvmy4sons said...

Amen!

Cheryl Barker said...

Thinking about the mercy and forgiveness that God so freely gives me time and again helps me extend mercy and forgiveness to those in my life that hurt or disappoint me. Because of Him and by His power!