Mercy.
Main Scripture: 51:1-2
Mercy
Have you ever been looking for someone to give you mercy? Maybe a parent that is talking to you about something you have done, or a friend that is upset with you?
The Mirriam-Webster definition of mercy – “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.”
Now let me ask have you been on the other side of mercy, when someone is begging you for mercy? Are you quick to show them mercy or are you easily taunting them with unforgiveness.
It can be hard to give mercy but easy to receive.
Think about a time where a friend might have done you wrong, a sibling was mean to you, or you and your parents got into a heated argument. Have you shown mercy to those people who have wronged you?
Well.. I know for myself I can’t say that I have shown mercy as much as I should have in many of those situations. I have been quick to shut down and shut off and not show any mercy.
But if you are a Christian then God’s unfailing love and mercy has been shown to us.
God sent his son Jesus to die on the cross, he paid the price for all of our sins… he had mercy on us. Because like the Mirriam-Webster definition said “within one’s power to punish or harm.” We have an ultimate debt and that is our sin, we should have died on the cross for our sin but Jesus paid the price for our punishment.
He showed us grace and mercy. Psalm 51:1-2
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
This verse was when David had just committed adultery with Bathsheba. David was asking God for mercy from his sin. He knew that what he had done was wrong and he cried out to God to ask for forgiveness.
We often look to others for mercy but how often do we look to God for mercy from our sins? We sometimes forget to ask God for forgiveness because we know that He has already given us mercy.
Today I challenge you to rest in God’s unfailing love that he has for us and ask God for mercy for the sins that you have commited. Allow the Holy Spirit to convict you and rest in God’s forgiveness. Mercy was given to us at a price, don’t take it for granted but give thanks to God for his forgiveness.
Love and Blessings,
Hannah McGill
Transformed Student Ministry
Transformed Student Ministry 