The Mercy That Changed Me

Week 3: Thursday

Today’s Scripture

Ephesians 2:4-5

This Week’s Memory Verse

“…who (God) comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4 NIV

Psalm

Psalm 46:1 NIV

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Proverbs

Proverbs 17:17 NIV

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Today’s Thought

Before God calls us to show mercy, He reminds us that we have received it. Paul says that God is rich in mercy and made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our sins. His love came first. That changes the way we understand obedience. We don’t serve others to convince God to love us; we respond because He already has. When I consider, remember, and thank God for how much (and how often) he forgives me, it becomes harder to excuse a harsh word, a stubborn attitude, or an unwillingness to forgive. Genuine devotion begins with gratitude for grace, not a determination to earn it.

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me when I could not earn Your favor. Let the mercy I have received shape the way I respond to others today. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Today’s Mercy Step

When, or if, you feel irritated or impatient today, stop and remember one way God has shown you mercy. Choose a gracious response.

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

Pastor Mark