Darkened Glass Reflections

Tag: mercy

The Words of Christ—Matthew 18:23-35

Jesus told a parable about a man who had been forgiven an absurdly high debt who would not forgive a much smaller one. Let us forgive as we have been forgiven.

November 25, 2023
Mercy: Received and Shared (Matthew 5:7)

Jesus said that, when we are merciful, we will be shown mercy. It is a sign that we have already experienced the mercy of God. Having received His mercy, we can show mercy to others. As such, we will enjoy the fullness of His mercy at the end of our days, when we stand before…

January 15, 2023
Ascension and Pentecost III. The Gospel of Forgiveness

One of the most important, and in many churches least emphasized, elements of Jesus’ post-resurrection teaching is the message of forgiveness. Yet, it is central to Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples, and it should be central to our message. As He prepared them for their forthcoming ministry, He said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If…

May 21, 2021
God’s Righteousness and Justice. VII: Christ our Merciful and Righteous King

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem reminds us that He comes in both righteousness and mercy. This perspective can guide us through Lent.

February 21, 2021
God’s Righteousness and Justice. II: Justice and Mercy Together

God is righteous and just, but He is also merciful. These qualities often work together. He forgives our sins, but we might have to live with the consequences of our wrongdoing.

November 15, 2020
Act, Speak, and Pray

Many years ago, when I was in seminary, I had several conversations with a retired Baptist minister. In one of our conversations, he offered this word of wisdom: “I refuse to pray any prayer unless I am willing to be the answer to that prayer.” Let us not use prayer as an excuse not to…

January 26, 2020
Ascension and Pentecost III. The Gospel of Forgiveness

One of the most important, and in many churches least emphasized, elements of Jesus’ post-resurrection teaching is the message of forgiveness. Yet, it is central to Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples, and it should be central to our message. As He prepared them for their forthcoming ministry, He said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If…

May 16, 2018
Scripture Sabbath Challenge—Luke 13:1–5

Let us always keep our eyes on God’s will for our own lives, seeking to minister to the victims when life is not fair, and to repent of the sins that infect our own souls.

February 28, 2016