Mercy and Grace

This weekend many of the women of Rabbit Creek Church will be at Victory Bible Camp for our church's Annual Women's Retreat.  While there, they will enjoy times of fellowship, worship, and relaxation.  The theme for the weekend is "Receiving Mercy and Finding Grace."  In words not original to me . . .

Mercy is not receiving what you deserve
     (think "wages of sin") and
Grace is receiving what you do not deserve
     (think "eternal life").

We can all agree that God is the greatest extender of mercy and grace.  Make it a habit to regularly thank God for those gifts.  Do not stop there.  When we read the Bible, interesting and even challenging questions confront us.  Many of my biggest questions can be expressed with one word - How?

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:48 (NIV)

How?

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus . . .
Philippians 2:5 (NIV)

How?

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do . . .
1 Peter 1:15 (NIV)

How?

How are we to be perfect, think and act like Jesus, and be holy?  

Well, we must start somewhere, and a great place to start is in extending mercy and grace. 

Who in your life "deserves" to pay? 
     Will you extend mercy?
Who in your life really needs some support (listening ear, money, encouragement)? 
     Will you show them grace?

The pursuit of perfection is never-ending. Striving to think and act like Jesus is a life-long endeavor.  Holiness seems out of reach.  Yet we can be well along our way of reaching those heights by being champions of Mercy and Grace  God extends both.  So should we.

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Luke 12:48b (NIV)

#ordinarylives