ay God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
give you grace and peace. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts
us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled,
we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2
Corinthians 1:2-4
Our God is merciful—full of mercy—full of
compassion towards us. He takes pity on us—lowly, disobedient creatures that we
often are. In spite of our shortcomings, He loves us and shows us His
grace—that unmerited favor—undeserved approval.
 |
| Bougainvillea in Israel. Giving hope--showing God's love and mercy. |
Why do we need God’s grace…or His mercy?
The world would be a horrible place—full of evil without God, His love, grace
and mercy. Love is a basic human necessity. Babies die without love. I’m sure
you’ve heard of studies where babies were never touched, although they had
basic needs of food and fresh diaper met. They actually died from a lack of
human touch—no love. How utterly sad. In that same way I think that humans need
a spiritual touch or their spirit turns to darkness…to death. With His grace
and mercy God offers us with His love. He fills us up with His love…and as we
grow in His love, it overflows from us to others. That’s God’s plan—spread the
love around.
But God is so rich in mercy, and
He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave
us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that
you have been saved!) Ephesians
2:4-5.
During
His Last Supper with His disciples, Jesus continued to guide and direct them
with His teachings.
So now I am giving you a new
commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each
other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my
disciples. John
13:34-35
Paul
continued this teaching of “love” as he traveled through the Mediterranean
region spreading the good news about Jesus.
For you have been called to live
in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your
sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. - Galatians 5:13
That
same “good news” is available to us…to live and share with others today. Good
news—that we can have a relationship with God…and with Jesus. We don’t have to
feel isolated and unloved. God is always with us (Deuteronomy 31:8) and in His
mercy and grace we can live loving lives forever through Him.
And may the Lord make your love
for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our (Paul, Silas
and Timothy) love for you overflows. 1 Thessalonians 3:12.
Where
do you stand in “relationship” to God and to others? If you think your
relationship to God is good…then consider how you share Him with others.
Let us think of ways to motivate
one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24
Prayer
~ Lord Jesus Christ, as we come boldly to the throne of our gracious God, may
we receive Your mercy, and find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews
4:16. May Your grace, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be
with all of us. 2 Corinthians 13:14. Show us ways to let Your love flow through
us to others around us—sharing Your grace and mercy.
Daily
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13-16
(Recycled
– reused. Still comforting.)
© 2018 Text and
photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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