River of Mercy

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23

When I was a child, I was playing in my parents' car, pretending to drive. I pulled the gear shifter without the keys in the ignition, and somehow, I actually broke the car. My parents had to call a mechanic to repair it before they could drive it again.

Of course, they were disappointed. But they also showed me mercy. They forgave me because they loved me.

That memory reminds me of how God continually shows us mercy because of His deep love for us.

The Heart of Mercy

The Bible reveals that mercy is not just something God does — it is who He is. In Exodus 34:6–7, God passed in front of Moses proclaiming, "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin." God was describing Himself to Moses. Notice that He speaks of His compassion, grace, and mercy before He speaks of His power or holiness. What an incredible picture of His heart toward us.

With every sunrise, there is evidence that God has not finished loving us. Yesterday's failures do not cancel today's mercy. Micah 7:18–19 reminds us that God delights to show mercy and takes pleasure in restoring His children.

Since we are created to reflect His heart, it is worth asking ourselves: When was the last time you showed mercy to someone? Did you enjoy it?

Often, we find it difficult to forgive and extend mercy, yet both are critical to our walk with Christ.

Living In His Mercy

One of the most amazing things about God's mercy is that it is always available. Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

But what gives us the confidence to approach His throne?

It is Jesus. He is the perfect picture of God's mercy, and the cross is mercy on full display. As Ephesians 2:4–5 reminds us, “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ." (Ephesians 2:4–5).

Having received such incredible mercy, how can we not extend it to others? In my daily walk, I try to show mercy to others by being patient, compassionate, and forgiving. We are called to extend mercy because we have first received mercy from our Heavenly Father. As Jesus said in Luke 6:36, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

For many years, I thought I was a hindrance to God. I felt like I was always making mistakes and constantly asking for His mercy. But now I know through His Word that He delights in showing me mercy! That truth has changed the way I see Him. I no longer come to Him wondering if He is willing to forgive. I come knowing that His heart is full of compassion and that His mercy is waiting for me.

What a beautiful realization - that the God of heaven doesn't reluctantly show mercy. He delights in it.

• When have you experienced God's mercy in your own life?

• Is there someone you need to extend mercy to?

• How does knowing that God delights in mercy change your view of Him?

A Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that Your mercies are new every morning. Thank You for being compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and rich in steadfast love. Thank You that through Jesus Christ You have forgiven my sins and welcomed me into Your family. I know I do not deserve it, but I am so thankful for Your mercy.

Help me to remember Your mercy when I feel ashamed, discouraged, or afraid. Teach me to extend the same mercy to others that You have so generously shown to me. May my life reflect Your compassionate heart, bringing hope, forgiveness, and grace to those around me.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Love your sister in Christ,

Amy