July 14, 2025
Mercy - Part 1
Luke 6:36
07/14/2025
36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
(ESV)
To be a Christian is to acknowledge that we are redeemed
from sin, death, and the power of the devil because of the death
and resurrection of Jesus. We do not earn the forgiveness of our
sins, for we are born enemies of God. Nothing we do can make up
for our sinful nature. Forgiveness is a gift, given to us
because of God's great love as our Father sent His Son to bear
our guilt.
Jesus told His disciples, ``Be merciful, even as your Father
is merciful.'' How is our heavenly Father merciful? He gives us
all things, natural and spiritual, temporal and eternal, because
of His great love. Even those people who do not acknowledge
God's rich goodness are daily blessed by Him with all things they
need to support this body and life. The Father's mercy extends
to everyone, regardless of who they are or how they act.
Because we are forgiven by God, because we have received His
love, grace, and mercy, we reflect the gifts we have been given.
God does not need our good works, but gives us the opportunity to
share His love with our neighbor.
Good works flow from faith, from knowing the gift which is
ours through Jesus Christ. Good works do not earn us favor with
God, but do provide proof that our faith is alive and active.
This week we will look at the way we reflect the Father's mercy
as we serve Him by loving our neighbor.
May our Lord grant us faith to recognize the Father's love
for His creation. Amen.