Wednesday, August 02, 2023

Oftentimes, we interchange the words mercy and grace. But how do these words differ from one another? According to Willmington’s Guide to the Bible, mercy is the act of withholding deserved punishment, while grace is the act of giving undeserved favor. Luke 6:36 instructs us to “Be merciful.” But how? Jesus explains this in the next verses and highlights three things: Do not judge, do not condemn, and forgive. I remember a fearful young friend who became pregnant prior to marriage. She did not know how to explain this to her parents, and so she came to me. We both knew what she did wasn’t right, but what she needed at that time was neither judgment nor condemnation. I just gave her a hug. When people who have committed mistakes avoid us, they perceive us to be a place of condemnation. Be the safe place for these people and reflect God’s mercy.

The Haggai Leader Experience has taught me the importance of being strategically positioned and how I can use my influence to draw more people to God.