July 17, 2025
Mercy - Part 4
Luke 6:40
07/17/2025
40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone
when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
(ESV)
Because we are sinners declared holy by God's rich grace,
love, and mercy for the sake of the death and resurrection of
Jesus, we also show mercy to others. That mercy certainly says
that we tell others about the peace of knowing we are reconciled
to the Father for the sake of the Son.
Saint Luke recorded Jesus' words: ``A disciple is not above
his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like
his teacher.'' Our teacher can either be of this world as we
listen to the advice of many, ``Listen to your own heart, do what
you think is right,'' rather than God's Word, ``Forgive as you
are forgiven.''
The devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh make a poor
teacher. They are self-centered, slow to accept blame yet quick
to accuse. They are self-righteous and hypocritical, demanding a
perfection in others they are not willing to attempt for
themselves.
Our heavenly Father teaches us love, grace, and mercy. He
is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, quick to
forgive even our worst sins. As we have God the Father as our
Teacher, as we learn from the Bible about grace and mercy, we
become forgiving and loving.
When Jesus said, ``Be merciful even as your Father is
merciful,'' He invites us to learn of God's love and to reflect
that love to others.
May our Lord grant us strength to reflect His grace and
forgiveness as we love and serve our neighbor. Amen.