Choosing the path of grace is about someone who wants the best for the person they are involved with. In our sinful nature, it’s common to treat people harshly when we’re dissatisfied with their behavior or other issues. Often, when couples face marital problems, they tend to be critical of their spouse’s actions. They criticize …
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah demonstrates the tension between mercy and judgment. God’s mercy refers to the compassionate love, forgiveness, and patience that God extends to us. It is an essential attribute of God. Psalm 103: 8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.[1] But our God is …
Fear versus faith is a struggle every believer faces along their faith journey. Fear, not the Lord’s guidance, led Abram and Sarai to travel to Egypt due to a famine. It was fear that led Abram to fabricate the story his beautiful wife was his sister, so he would escape harm. Genesis 12:15 When the palace …
The flood story shows the waters of judgment and hope. The rising waters sealed the fate of the unrepentant while, at the same time, lifting the ark, which was the hope of a new world. God is both judge and Savior. He judged the wicked and provided grace for Noah and his family. God didn’t …
Not only is Genesis 3 the story of the origin of sin, but it is also a story of God’s mercy and grace in our sin. Adam and Eve had eaten the fruit God had forbidden. When God came to walk with them in the cool of the day, they hid out of fear and …
As only God can, His mercy fills the hungry. If you are hungry for God today, He wants to give you His mercy and grace. Those who seek God don’t necessarily get gold or silver but receive a relationship with Him. Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit when she went to visit Elizabeth. John …
The mercy of God is kindness that we don’t deserve. Have you ever needed mercy? In the Bible, God’s mercy means His pity, compassion, and kindness toward people. His mercy shows up in the believer’s life at salvation, and God continues to show mercy in forgiveness.[1] His love for us is at the heart of …
Can daily living be worship? So often, modern Christians categorize worship as happening in a church building on Sunday morning. Each Christian tradition has what they call an order of worship. It may include a particular song style, Scripture reading, a teaching time, and prayers. While this gathering together to worship is essential, it is …
I believe your view of God influences worship. Why? If you think God is a mean, greedy being to be appeased, you will worship only to placate Him. You will not want to spend time or do more than is required. But, if you think God loves you, has a plan for your life, and …
Judgment, mercy, and hope don’t seem like they should be in the same sentence. We like to hear about mercy and hope because they sound positive. We have a negative opinion of judgment and try to avoid it at all costs. Yet, we desire justice. Even very young children know when something is unfair. God …