Mercy & Forgiveness
God has been very merciful. Just tonight, I did a girl's Bible study with some friends and younger girls on mercy. During the study, we went around telling stories in our lives where God had been merciful. Everyone agreed that there were too many to remember. In the stories that were told, God definitely had His merciful hand protecting and guiding and specifically answering prayer. Here's some of what I learned.
1. Mercy is not getting what you deserve (justice)
2. Mercy & truth go hand in hand
3. How do you show mercy?
A. Have compassion
B. Give forgiveness
C. Show love
4. Before you show mercy, you must acknowledge what is just(what is deserved) and be humble so you can show it.
Here are two good quotes on separate topics:
Deep Heartfelt Affection
You see, I am deeply persuaded that deep affection drives our life in the kingdom of God.
At the core of our lives, we need to have a deep, abiding, life-shaping affection for the King. This one central love will fuel everything else we are meant to pursue. We're simply meant to be deeply affectionate with Christ. He is meant to be the One that occupies our minds and fills our hearts. He is meant to be what excites us and brings us joy. He is to be the One whom we are living to please.
What drives our life must not be: an unwavering commitment to biblical theology; a comprehensive Christian world-view; a dedicated pursuit of involvement in the body of Christ; a persevering commitment to ministry; or a zeal for daily study and devotion. Yes, these things are certainly important, but they shouldn't be our driving motivation.
Our lives should not be so much about pursuing these things; we should be pursuing a Person. The eyes of my heart need to be focused on Christ. My soul needs to be filled with appreciation and brimming with affection for Him. I need to walk around astounded that He would place His affection on me. I need to live with hope that I will be united to Him and live with Him forever!
This one central theme- being deeply affectionate with Christ in our hearts- will give motivation and direction to every other good thing that defines my life as a Christian. How are you doing? Is your heart dull & hard or soft & moldable of the Holy Spirit?
Paul Tripp
Forgiveness is a choice. It's not a feeling but an act of the will. Forgiveness says "It was wrong, it mattered & I release you from my bitterness ".John Eldridge.
