…but god James 3: 17
Transcript
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy.”
James 3:17 NASB2020
Once again we will go to Webster for our definition of Mercy, “compassion or forbearance.” The biblical definition is, “a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion.”
God’s amazing mercy is so much more than the human definition of mercy.
In the book of Titus it is described this way “But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Titus 3:4-7 NASB2020
It is that perfect mercy that God gives us through the power of His Holy Spirit that allows us to produce good fruit.
It is that type of mercy that gives me the strength to love those who are not followers.
My wife Sharon and I have been spending the last few days with her family in Seattle. (It has been awesome to get out of the TX Heat). They are not followers of Christ. Previously it had been very difficult to be with them, I would be stressed, uncomfortable and often times I would preach at them with an I’m better than you attitude. But God showed me that type of attitude is not merciful nor is it Christ like. Jesus calls us to love. God changed my heart through the power of the Holy Spirit. I made the choice to stop being so judgmental, and just love like Jesus. The stress went away and I began to enter into the family. They know I love them, they know I have not given up on my Christianity to be with them. Because of the Lord’s amazing mercies I am able to be a part of their lives and show them the love of Christ.
As It states in Lamentations 3: 22-23 “The Lord’s acts of mercy indeed do not end, For His compassions do not fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 NASB2020
This change of my heart would not have happened without constant prayer and supplication on a daily basis. It also did not happen over night. It was and is work. But the work is oh so worth it!
While here in Seattle, God has given us some amazing views… a couple are posted in the show notes on our website bthechurch.org under this show’s name “….But God”… and believe me it’s hard to not be mindful of God’s mercy and beauty with views like these.
Lord you are the King and Lord of creation. We praise your Holy Name. We thank you for your perfect mercy. Thank you also for your mercy being new each and every morning. Help us to continue to do the work of following you by loving others with your same passion and strength through the power of The Holy Spirit. In Jesus Name Amen…
Shalom Shalom Blessings. Press in and Press on!
Hosted by Chad McBeam
