Devotional—The Reason

Once, we too were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. Titus 3:3–7 NLT

People sometimes wonder why Christians show mercy. What is the reason? Why do we forgive when others hurt us? Are we weak? Are we people pleasers? Are we insecure? No!

We choose to turn resentment into forgiveness, hatred into love, fighting into peace. We have been there, done that and saw that the way of hate does not pay. Moreover, we too are foolish and disobedient.

But we are forgiven because of God’s mercy. How dare we withhold that mercy from others? By the power of the Holy Spirit, the same kindness and love God showed to us when we were the offenders is what we can show to those who wrong us.

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, please help us to be a conduit of your love and mercy. Help us to extend what we have received from you to others. Lord, let it be a witness to the world and a sweet-smelling sacrifice to you. Please receive our thanksgiving in Jesus’ name, amen.

By Margaret Musekwa, Webmaster
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa