The Nature of Forgiveness is Mercy

Offering forgiveness to others is one of the most difficult and important aspects of the Christian life. But Scripture clearly commands us to forgive others. This week, we’re going to look at how God longs to fashion us into his likeness that we might model the love we’ve been shown to a world with no concept of mercy. May you be filled with courage and boldness this week to offer forgiveness to those in desperate need of grace. And may God’s love shine through as you enter into your calling as a minister of reconciliation. Our Scripture for today comes from Luke 6:36-37, and today's worship is Mercy + When I Think About The Lord by Common Gathering. – Thank you so much for listening to today’s podcast on mercy, the first in our weeklong focus on forgiveness.    I want to encourage you today to take a practical step forward in whatever the Lord was doing in your heart today as you prayed. Maybe you need to ask forgiveness, or maybe you need to offer it. Whatever your need is, may God fill you with the compassion and boldness you need to engage in his lifegiving process and promise of forgiveness.    Have a wonderful rest of your day, and may God bless you as you seek him.  - We are so excited to announce our very first First15 Kid’s Devotional book, My Time With God.    Get your copy of First15’s first ever devotional book for kids today!   My Time with God is a 20 day devotional written for young readers, ages 6-12, to help encourage and equip them to establish a lifetime of learning and walking with God through daily scripture reading and reflection. Each day of this 20 day devotional includes scriptures, activities, and prayers to help growing believers learn how to connect more deeply with God and about how spending time with God helps us live the life he’s called us to.    This resource is foundational, answering questions such as,    What is a devotional? What is prayer?  Why spend time with God?  What does it mean to enjoy God’s presence?  “When we choose to love God and let ourselves experience his love, he also teaches us how to love others. Living for love means living like Jesus did. He was always thinking of others.” Request your copy of First15’s new kids devotional, My Time With God, today by going to supportfirst15.org, and help your kids explore spending time with God each and every day! Again that is supportfirst15.org. The link is also in the podcast description.