When you need 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) 

Mercy: compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one’s power; lenient or compassionate treatment.

All of us need God’s mercy!

According to the Bible, our own righteousness is like filthy rags when compared with God’s righteousness (Isa. 64:6). And no matter how hard we may try, because we’ve all been born with a sin nature, we will still fall way short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23). That’s why we are all in need of God’s mercy without exception. And, the good news is that we have received great mercy from Him through Jesus Christ!

“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)

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 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)

Quote:

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