Mercy Does Something

Week 1: Who Is My Neighbor? Saturday

This Week’s Memory Verse

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind”; and, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27 NIV

Psalm

Psalm 112:4-5: Read this passage slowly and let it turn your heart toward God.

Proverbs

Proverbs 19:17: Read this verse and consider how God’s wisdom shapes the way you live today.

Today’s Thought

James gives us a picture that sounds remarkably similar to Jesus’ story.

Suppose someone needs clothes and food. We see the need and even say something kind: “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed.” But James asks a piercing question: if we do nothing about the physical need, “what good is it?”

Good intentions are not the same as mercy…

Mercy becomes visible when compassion becomes action

That doesn’t mean every act needs to be dramatic. Often the most meaningful expressions of mercy are ordinary: sharing what we have, giving someone our time, listening without rushing, providing a meal, helping with a task, or showing up when someone feels alone.

The goal isn’t to impress anyone. The goal is to follow Jesus.

As we become people who SEE, FEEL, and MOVE, the mercy we have received from Jesus begins to reach the people right in front of us.

Pray

“Jesus, keep my faith from stopping at good intentions. Show me where I can put Your love into action today, and help me serve without needing recognition in return. Amen.”

Today’s Mercy Step

Turn one good intention into an action today. If you have thought, “I should call them,” “I should help,” or “I should check on them,”…do it.

Following Jesus by loving the people right in front of us…or next door,

Pastor Mark