Daily Mercy
A Word From Pastor Steve
A wise older man once told a young Chuck Swindoll that “the hardest thing about life is that it’s so daily.” I can’t help but think of that when I read Matthew 5:7. Christ has called us to live a life of mercy in our daily life around our family, our co-workers, and our community. We may not be called on to die for Christ this week, but we surely have been called to live for him. Here are a few thoughts from this verse that didn’t make into last Sunday's sermon.
1. Receive mercy that is extended to you. First, take God at his word and live in the forgiveness he has given you at the cross. Continually remind yourself that your sins are forgiven at the cost of Christ’s life. He has risen from the dead and given you life and power to overcome sin through the help of the Spirit. Second, don’t deflect, manipulate, or minimize the mercy that someone else gives to you. The joy that comes from humbly accepting the forgiveness and compassion of another is life-giving.
2. Embrace the mercy of Christ personally so you will demonstrate mercy toward Christ’s people, the church. Treat other believers like family, because they are family. Learn to forgive and don’t hold grudges toward one another. Give each other the benefit of the doubt and give in abundance the kind of mercy you want others to extend toward you (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12-14).
3. Grow in mercy by not only living for Christ but with Christ. Live daily in the presence and power of Christ. Acknowledge the reality of his presence as you go about your day. Invite him into the conversations you have with others. Ask for His wisdom in the decisions you need to make. Walk with the Lord through obedience to his Word, and you will be ready when the time comes to be merciful.
4. Multiply mercy in your life by working on the mundane things. Instead of tackling a mountain of unforgiveness that’s been plaguing you for years, start by extending forgiveness in your heart and actions to the person who cuts you off in traffic. Mercy isn’t built in a day; it comes through a regular posture of forgiveness.
Let's live with this attitude: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36)
In Christ,
Pastor Steve