God's Mercy

Sunday, March 28, 2010
Listen to this devotional:

Luke 7:46-48 – You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." Then He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." (NKJV)

Through my own sinful choices, I'd become alone! I'd become separated, without fellowship with God. I was not entirely without belief, for I still prayed at Him — sometimes. However, I was positively estranged from the kind of interactive fellowship such as I'd known with Him as a youngster praying and reading my Bible every day.

It was Jesus' merciful forgiveness, His merciful reconciling of me to Himself that gave me the much-needed fresh start in my life, for He did come when I asked Him to. He turned me around to receive and believe Him as never before. He forgave me. He cleansed my heart, and returned me to my family's waiting, receiving, loving arms. Jesus filled my whole being with His Holy Spirit, and filled my heart with new love for Him and my family. He became my Jesus Christ. He became my blessed new life. That was February — 30 years ago. I have great reason, every day, all day, to praise and worship Him for His mercy and grace.

Romans 4:7-8 – Blessed and happy and to be envied are those whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered up and completely buried. Blessed and happy and to be envied is the person of whose sin the Lord will take no account nor reckon it against him. (AMP)

The Hebrew word for "merciful" also signifies "godly". It follows that there can be no one more merciful, or godly, than God Himself. So I've come to understand that this godly attribute — mercy — is inherent in God's nature. It's a melting in the heart of God towards the miseries of people, a readiness that He chooses to be instrumental for their good. His mercy is not just verbal, but practically active; just as a doctor, who visits the sick, consciously and deliberately brings the most comfort he possibly can. The mercy of God proceeds from His grace towards us. Yes, God's liberal mercy is a soothing, fragrant balm to all who receive it.

I was a sinner, unable to bear fruit. God showed me mercy. He made of me a fruit tree, bearing His name.

I was alone, selfish, with nothing to share. God showed me mercy. He multiplied to me His loving relationship, knowledge of Himself, His Word, His plans and purposes. My life now is full — of Him — to share freely and joyfully.

I was empty, with no offering cup. God showed me mercy. He gave me a cup running over to offer back to Him, and to offer to those He brings my way. He continuously multiplies His nature and His attributes within my heart.

Mercifully, graciously, when I cried out to our triune God, He came to dwell within me. Through His Word and Spirit, He gave me total assurance of my salvation, my relationship with Him. As well as this, He gave me a constant sense of purpose, and a raging desire — with which I awake every single day of my life — to be up and about my Father's revealed business.

My prayer is that each of our readers will experience the same wonderful gifts from our merciful God.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your gracious, life-changing mercy to us. You alone are our true beginning and end. Amen and Amen!

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About the author:

Rosemary Renninson
Westbury, Victoria, Australia

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