Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
Matthew 9:13 NLT
Mercy lays the foundation for both forgiveness and acceptance. Mercy means I am delivered from the consequences of any action someone who has authority over me might take. As parents we err on the side of mercy when dealing with our children. They may have to face certain consequences arising from their actions, yet we fail to impose the full penalty. So, as a child, when I broke our next-door neighbour’s window with my catapult, too tempting a challenge and target, my parents made me contribute towards the cost of the replacement glass, but didn’t demand the full cost. They also dealt with my neighbour and shielded me from his anger.
The greatest act of mercy we have is God’s forgiveness. Here, not only are we invited to avoid the unpleasant consequences of our separation from our creator, but that same creator takes on and suffers the consequences himself.
When God approaches me with an offer of forgiveness, it is accompanied with a demand that I take responsibility for myself. My thoughts and my actions are to be based upon the undeserved mercy of God. Once we see this we can proceed as Jesus directs; we show mercy to all we meet, for this is the true sacrifice of a “broken and contrite heart” (Psalm 51:17).
Making sacrifices to God will never deepen your friendship with him. This is already secured through God’s mercy. Your response is to live and extend mercy to others in every circumstance.
Having set myself free from the trap of seeking to earn God’s favour, and justify myself through sacrificial service, I now live grateful for God’s mercy and exercising mercy in every situation.
QUESTION
Will you take some time to reflect on God’s mercy that has been shown to you?
PRAYER
Thank you that in your great mercy you love me, forgive me, accept me, befriend me, fill me, lead me and walk with me, today and always.
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