Grace, Mercy, and Love

A thought has occurred to me more than once in the last couple of days. I felt led to share it with you but before I do, I want to reflect on something that was brought back to my attention. A few months ago I had a dream about huge fruit. This fruit looked like large watermelons, that were broken or cut and shared among everyone attending this celebration. I introduced myself to a man standing nearby "I am a victory", looking surprised, he said, "I am too". Later as I began to share the dream with my mother I had tears well up. Those people were enjoying the spoils of battle. The fruit that is given after battle. God does not leave us depleted and needy. Just as it was in ancient times when the warriors partook in the spoils of war, we are given spoils, gifts, and fruit following the battle. We are a victory. 1 Corinthians 15:57, "but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ' (NASB 1995). We have come through battle and we are victorious. Keep this in mind as I share the thought from this week.

It is often easy to see what others are battling. To sense, feel, and hear where they are and what they are fighting against. This can be uncomfortable, especially if they are battling something that we fought in the past. It can be easy to allow judgment, gossip, and negativity to creep in if we are not on guard against such things. But, think about how difficult it was for Jesus when he was among us in His earthly body. He was perfect. He could see and feel our brokenness. Our sin in contrast to HIs perfection could have made just being here difficult. He knew what we were dealing with. Yet, He extended grace, mercy, and love to everyone. Even those who refused to hear the truth. He did not destroy them but instead, He offered His life in exchange for theirs.

How much more should those of us who are imperfect offer grace, mercy, and love as it is freely given to us? We must be mindful of what we say and our heart position toward others, Jesus died for them too. If they do not know Him they are truly in a dark place. We too would be lost in darkness and fighting our own demons if not for Him. We are all on a journey to be more like HIm. None of us have attained perfection, but we are perfected in Him as we are seen through the blood shed for us on the cross. He understood and understands that we are dust and apart from Him is a desperate place to be.

Be a light in a dark place--not the judge and jury to one who has missed the mark. We must speak truth YES, Love YES, give grace YES, and give mercy YES. For freely we have received what was given to us at such a high price. What an amazing gift!!!

In His love,

Charissa

Pray with me,

Lord, you are perfect and worthy of all praise.

We can not do good apart from you, for all good comes from your hand.

Thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for seeing beyond our sins and failures and extending mercy and grace to us every moment of every day.

Thank you for your presence with us even in times of battle. Thank you for redeeming every part of our lives. Nothing is wasted in you. Even the battles and trials, the mistakes and fumbles are used as we offer everything that we are to you. We are victorious.

You are truly merciful and loving. Help us to offer these same attributes to others as we go through our day. Help us to be a light in the darkness.

Thank you for your unending love.

In Jesus' Name, Amen