The format I used for my advent blog (Dec. 1-25) listed the attributes of God that were revealed in the promise of the day. Mercy was a prominent attribute of God’s character. My question for today is: What is God’s mercy and how have I experienced His mercy in my life?
Proverbs 28:13 “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (NIV) Our sin deserves God’s punishment and wrath but in His mercy, He will forgive and restore us if we will acknowledge our sins and turn to Him. 1John1:9 puts it this way, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV) God in His mercy forgives our sins.
Lamentations 3:21-23 “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (ESV) God’s mercy is unending, new, fresh, complete and available to me each day. What a blessed hope we have in His mercy.
James 2:13 ” Judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment! (ESV) This verse bothered me for quite awhile as I meditated on it. But I came to the realization that God wants me to show mercy and treat others with forgiveness and love just as He has done for me. God in His mercy did not give me what I deserved for my sins which is death but showed me His mercy. As a follower of Jesus, He is expecting me to be merciful each day to those I deal with. How can I show mercy? Using a word of encouragement instead of a word of criticism, giving a helping hand instead of showing indifference or rejection and being open and loving with others. Look for His mercy, embrace and accept His mercy and you will receive it .
How will you show God’s mercy this week?
Blessings,
Linda
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