“Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matt. 9:13 ESV)

Mercy: Compassion or forbearance shown, especially to an offender or to one subject to another’s power; compassionate, forgiving, or lenient treatment.

Imagine a man standing before a judge knowing he is guilty. He has no excuses, no defense, and no way to erase what he has done. Instead of receiving the punishment he deserves, the judge extends mercy. That unexpected act changes everything.

That is a picture of what God has done for us. None of us can stand before Him on the basis of our own goodness. Every one of us has sinned and fallen short of His perfect standard. Yet, because of His great love, God offers mercy through Jesus Christ to all who come to Him in repentance and faith.

All of us need God’s mercy!

According to Scripture, our own righteousness is like filthy rags compared with God’s perfect righteousness (Isa. 64:6). And because every person has sinned (Rom. 3:23), we all stand in need of His mercy. The wonderful news is that God delights in showing mercy through His Son.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3 ESV)

God desires mercy

“Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matt. 9:13 ESV)

Be merciful to others and be blessed

“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:36–37 ESV)

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matt. 5:7 ESV)

Therefore

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16 ESV)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 ESV)

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6 ESV)

If you need God’s mercy today

Don’t run from Him—run to Him. Confess your sins honestly, receive His forgiveness with gratitude, and then extend that same mercy to others. Those who have experienced God’s mercy are called to become channels of His mercy.

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“The wonderful news is that our Lord is a God of mercy, and He responds to repentance.” — Billy Graham

“They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Tim. 6:18-19)

Imagine two people planting for the future. One spends all spring polishing his gardening tools but never plants a single seed. The other quietly plants, waters, and tends the garden day after day. Months later, the first has shiny tools but an empty harvest. The second enjoys an abundant crop because he invested in what would last.

Jesus teaches that life works the same way. We can spend our lives accumulating temporary possessions, or we can invest in eternal treasure. The Apostle Paul gives us four practical ways to build a foundation that will last forever.

1. Do good

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Gal. 6:9 ESV)

2. Be rich in good works

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16 ESV)

3. Be generous

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Cor. 9:6 ESV)

4. Be ready to share

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Heb. 13:16 ESV)

The passage concludes with the reason we should continually practice these four habits: ”…so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” True life is not found in accumulating possessions but in faithfully investing in God’s kingdom and blessing others.

Therefore

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21 ESV)

Ask yourself today

“Am I investing more in what is temporary or in what is eternal?” Look for one opportunity to do good, serve someone, give generously, or share what God has entrusted to you. Every act of love done for Christ is an investment in heavenly treasure that will never fade.

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“The person who thinks the money he makes is meant mainly to increase his comforts on earth is a fool, Jesus says. Wise people know that all their money belongs to God and should be used to show that God, and not money, is their treasure, their comfort, their joy, and their security.” — John Piper

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thess. 3:3)

There is something reassuring about watching a small child reach for a parent’s hand while crossing a busy street. The child doesn’t understand all the dangers around them, but they know they are safest when they stay close to the one who does. The parent’s strength, wisdom, and watchful eye provide the protection the child cannot provide for themselves.

God invites His children to live with that same confidence. We cannot foresee every danger, temptation, or hardship that lies ahead, but our heavenly Father can. His protection doesn’t mean we will never face difficulties; it means we never face them alone. He faithfully strengthens us, provides a way through temptation, goes before us, and upholds us with His mighty hand.

God protects you from overwhelming temptation

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind… God is faithful… He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13 NIV)

Don’t panic, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you

“So be strong and courageous!… the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deut. 31:6 NLT)

Therefore

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10 NIV)

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” (Psalm 5:11 NIV)

Today, place every fear, temptation, and uncertain circumstance into God’s hands

Instead of focusing on the size of the danger, focus on the greatness of your Protector. Stay close to Him through prayer and His Word, trusting that He is faithful to strengthen, guide, and protect you every step of the way.

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“After a hard day scrambling to find your way around in the world, it’s assuring to come home to a place you know. God can be equally familiar to you. With time you can learn where to go for nourishment, where to hide for protection, where to turn for guidance. Just as your earthly house is a place of refuge, so God’s house is a place of peace.” — Max Lucado

“Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalm 37:24 ESV)

Mistakes can hurt those we love

A few months ago, while cleaning out our basement, I decided it was time to part with an old kitchen table that had long outlived its usefulness. Thinking someone else might appreciate it, I placed it on the curb with a “Free” sign. Within minutes, a driver stopped, loaded it into a vehicle, and drove away.

Just then, my granddaughter arrived and watched it disappear. With tears in her eyes, she told me the table held precious childhood memories and that her mother had promised it to her someday. By the time I realized my mistake, the vehicle was long gone.

My heart sank. I had assumed no one would want the old table, and in doing so I unintentionally hurt someone I dearly love. I wished I could turn back the clock, but I couldn’t. All I could do was admit my mistake, apologize sincerely, and ask for forgiveness. Thankfully, my granddaughter graciously forgave me, and we embraced. Even now, I still regret what happened, but I also thank God for His grace and for her forgiving heart.

Everyone makes mistakes

Albert Einstein once said, “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” Every one of us will make mistakes because none of us is perfect. Sometimes our mistakes are small; sometimes they have lasting consequences. When possible, we should do everything we can to make things right. When we cannot undo the damage, we can still confess our failure, seek forgiveness, and trust God to help bring healing.

The Christian life is not about never falling; it is about continually getting back up through God’s grace.

Learn from your mistakes

Every mistake presents an opportunity to grow in wisdom and humility. Ask yourself, What can I learn from this? How can I avoid making the same mistake again? Winston Churchill wisely observed,

“All men make mistakes, but only wise men learn from their mistakes.”

The Bible reminds us

“For we all stumble in many ways…” (James 3:2 ESV)

Only Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life. The rest of us will stumble from time to time. The important thing is not pretending we never fail, but responding to our failures God’s way.

When you make a mistake humbly confess it 

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Prov. 28:13 ESV)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)

Therefore

“For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” (Prov. 24:16 ESV)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 ESV)

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:1 ESV)

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“When you make a mistake, there are only three things you should ever do about it: admit it, learn from it, and don’t repeat it.” - Paul Bear Bryant

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36 ESV)

Many people are trapped by things they long to escape. Some are bound by addictions to drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling, or other destructive habits. Others struggle with fear, anxiety, bitterness, guilt, depression, unhealthy relationships, or spiritual oppression. Whatever the bondage may be, Jesus Christ has the power to set people free.

The promise of Jesus is clear

“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” That is one of the very reasons He came—to rescue people from the power of sin and every form of spiritual captivity. By faith, receive His promise personally, trust Him completely, and continue walking in the freedom He provides.

Jesus proclaimed liberty to every captive

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives… to set at liberty those who are oppressed…” Luke 4:18-19 ESV

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Cor. 3:17 ESV)

In your distress, call upon the Lord

“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” (Psalm 118:5 ESV)

Once Christ sets you free, remain free

“Yet because of false brothers… they slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery.” (Gal. 2:4 ESV)

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Gal. 5:1 ESV)

Therefore

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Rom. 8:1-4 ESV)

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:13 ESV)

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:16 ESV)

“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.” (Rom. 6:22 ESV)

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“I am free. I am ransomed. I've never felt this way before, like a slave set free who was born a slave and never knew what freedom was like.” - Frank E. Peretti

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 NIV)

Witness in the power of the Holy Spirit

Jesus never intended for us to witness in our own strength. Before sending His disciples into the world, He promised they would receive power through the Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit who empowered the early church still empowers believers today. As you continually yield yourself to Him, He gives you courage, wisdom, love, and the right words to speak. Your responsibility is simply to be available and faithful while trusting Him to do the work of changing hearts.

You are Christ’s ambassador

“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor. 5:18-21 ESV)

The Holy Spirit will help you speak

“and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matt. 10:18-20 ESV)

Don’t be ashamed of the gospel

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Rom. 1:16 ESV)

Therefore

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so n that 1 they may see your good works and o give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16 ESV)

“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Pet. 3:15 ESV)

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Col. 4:5-6 ESV)

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“If you had the cure to cancer, wouldn’t you share it? … You have the cure to death… get out there and share it.” — Kirk Cameron

“Let every skillful man among you come, and make all that the LORD has commanded.” (Exo. 35:10 ESV)

Always give God your best

The answer to the question, “When should you work with excellence and skill?” is simple: Always. Whether your task seems great or small, every job is an opportunity to honor God. Excellence isn’t about impressing people or pursuing perfection; it’s about faithfully offering God your very best. When we develop our abilities, work diligently, and maintain a humble spirit, we become effective representatives of Christ in the places He has called us to serve.

Excel in every area of life

“But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.” (2 Cor. 8:7 ESV)

Excellence often opens doors

God frequently uses faithful, skilled people in places of influence. Joseph, Daniel, Bezalel, and many others were entrusted with greater responsibility because they demonstrated wisdom, integrity, and excellence. While our goal is never personal recognition, faithful work often results in greater opportunities to serve God and others.

“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” (Prov. 22:29 ESV)

“Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.” (Dan. 6:3 ESV) 

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)

Therefore

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” (Col. 3:23 ESV)

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity…” (Titus 2:7 ESV)

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“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well’.” Martin Luther King Jr.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2 ESV)

Our minds are like gardens

If a garden is left unattended, weeds quickly take over. But when it is carefully cultivated, beautiful flowers and healthy fruit grow. Our thoughts work the same way. If we allow fear, bitterness, lust, worry, or discouragement to fill our minds, those thoughts will eventually shape our words and actions. But when we continually fill our minds with God’s truth, His Word begins to transform us from the inside out.

The battle for the Christian life is often won or lost in the mind

Satan seeks to plant lies, while God plants truth. Every day we have a choice about which thoughts we will entertain. We cannot always prevent a thought from entering our minds, but we can choose whether to dwell on it. As we intentionally replace lies with God’s promises and sinful thoughts with His truth, our thinking becomes more like Christ’s. A renewed mind produces a transformed life.

Take every thought captive

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” (2 Cor. 10:5 ESV)

Set your mind on the things of the Spirit

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Rom. 8:5-6 ESV)

Therefore

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil. 4:8 ESV)

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“Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become habits. Watch your habits for they become your character. And watch your character for it becomes your destiny. What we think, we become. My father always said that... and I think I am fine.” - Margaret Thatcher

PS: Please forward this to others who may need some encouragement

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:3-5 ESV)

A stronghold is any pattern of thinking, habit, fear, addiction, lie, or sin that becomes deeply entrenched in a person’s life. It is like an old wagon trail across a field. The more a wagon travels the same path, the deeper the ruts become until it is difficult to steer in any other direction. Our thoughts can become like those ruts. The more we believe a lie—“I’ll never change,” “I’m not good enough,” or “There’s no hope for me”—the deeper the stronghold becomes.

The good news is that no stronghold is stronger than Christ

God has not left us defenseless. He has given us spiritual weapons that have divine power to demolish strongholds. As we fill our minds with God’s Word, reject Satan’s lies, pray faithfully, and choose obedience one thought at a time, those old ruts begin to disappear and are replaced with God’s truth. Freedom is not found by trying harder, but by trusting Christ more completely.

Take up the whole armor of God

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (Eph. 6:13-18 ESV) 

God is your stronghold

“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7 KJV)

Therefore

 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36 ESV)

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“Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.” - Warren Wiersbe

PS: Please forward to someone who could use encouragement.