Mercy – Part 3

July 16, 2025

Broadcast

                            Mercy - Part 3
                               Luke 6:39
                              07/16/2025


        39   He also told them a parable: Can a blind man lead
             a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?
             (ESV)

        Although we are by nature sinful and unclean, and although
   we have sinned against God and neighbor by actively doing that
   which we should not do, or by not doing what we should do, we are
   forgiven because of God's mercy.  Our heavenly Father sent His
   Son to live, die, and rise again to pay the price of our
   transgressions.  Because God has shown us His mercy, we show the
   same mercy to others.

        Saint Luke wrote: ``He also told them a parable: `Can a
   blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a
   pit?'''  If we, in our self-righteous hypocrisy, are blind to our
   own sin, how can we help our neighbor by calling them to repent?
   We don't know about sin and grace, if we stand in judgment and
   condemnation concerning the shortcomings of others.

        Each Christian desires to help his neighbor.  Sometimes that
   help extends to a warning that actions and beliefs are wrong,
   that actions and beliefs may lead to suffering and death.  But
   that help is done with humility and love, not out of arrogance
   and superiority.  Aware of our own sin, knowing that only by the
   grace of God do we see the light of truth, we gently and
   prayerfully guide others to the same light.

        Showing God's mercy means that we encourage each other, help
   each other, and forgive each other.  It also means we protect
   each other from harm and danger.

        May our Lord grant us wisdom, love, and strength to see our
   own sin even while serving our neighbor.  Amen.