God's mercy – Garden Faith

36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.
Luke 6:36-37 (NASB)

Mercy is the act of withholding deserved punishment. Mercy is the act of having mercy on others, not prejudging or condemning our foes. God’s mercy has saved us from our sins, and He wants us to show mercy towards others. Our focus should be on being merciful rather than judgmental, emulating our Holy Father.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Matthew 5:7 (NASB)

To judge is to form an opinion or conclusion about another person; to condemn is to find someone guilty deserving of punishment. Instead of having hardened hearts and condemning others, if we forgive and pardon others, God will pardon us.

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Matthew 6:14

God loves us and wants us to love one another, being merciful, kind, and forgiving.

35-36 “I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind. ^37-38“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
Luke 6:35-38 (MSG)

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In your dealings with others, are you judgmental or merciful and kind?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your mercy and grace. Teach us to be non-judgmental, merciful, and forgiving. Help us to be sympathetic and compassionate. As the small geranium flowers cluster together, forming beautiful blooms, let us cluster together in harmony, reflecting God’s love. In Jesus Holy name. Amen

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But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:16-17 (NLT)

In 1 Timothy, the Apostle Paul is instructing his protege Timothy. In verse 16, he explains that God had mercy on him, a foremost sinner. For, Saul, as he was known then, was persecuting the followers of Jesus, trying to stop the spread of Christianity.
When Saul was traveling to Damascus, Jesus appeared to him and changed his life and mission. Paul’s conversion is a testimony to the great mercy and forgiveness of the Lord.
Jesus came into the world to save sinners, as Paul had been. Paul converted and became God’s representative taking the gospel to the Gentiles.
Paul’s testimony highlights the mercy and infinite love of Jesus; and its transforming power.
The Lord is still patiently waiting for sinners to believe and repent.
In Verse 17, Paul closes with heartfelt praises to God, the Eternal King; all honor and glory to God forever and ever belong to Him!

What testimony can you share of God’s mercy and love for you?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your Son Jesus; and His saving grace. Jesus, we are in awe of Your mercy, forgiveness, and infinite love. We admire, worship, and praise our Triune God for all You have done for us. Like the beautiful trumpet-like blossoms of the azalea, we raise our voices in praise and thanksgiving for your mercy and grace. Amen

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I believe in the power of prayer. If you need prayer, I would be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺