Tag: Mercy

Choosing Grace Over Payback

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NELSON NOLAND

The twelfth chapter of Romans ends with a call to live differently from the world around us. Modern culture celebrates revenge. From movies to online conflicts, payback is often seen as justice. But the gospel offers another path. We should follow a way that turns away from hate and chooses love, even toward those who have wronged us.

The teaching of Romans 12 is not easy. It asks us to love people who mistreat us and to answer harm with kindness. This is hard work, like putting on heavy gloves to do a tough job. Yet this is the kind of life Jesus calls His followers to live. It is not natural to forgive. I’ve come to believe it is something that grows from knowing that God first forgave us. The Bible says that while we were still His enemies, Christ died for us. When we understand that, we begin to see how to love others the same way.

To love enemies means to act with grace where the world expects revenge. It means refusing to return evil for evil. Across the world, there are real examples of people who have lived out this truth. A widow in Arizona forgave the man who killed her husband. Amish parents in Pennsylvania prayed for the driver who caused the death of their children. A retired judge in Michigan forgave the teenager who crashed into his car and even paid for the boy’s education. These moments show the kind of love that can only come from God. It is a love that brings healing instead of hate.

Such forgiveness is not weakness. It is strength that comes from faith. It does not excuse evil but hands justice over to God. The Bible says, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” Trusting that truth frees us from bitterness. Holding on to anger only poisons the heart. Letting go allows peace to enter.

Jesus also taught that we should love our enemies, pray for those who hurt us, and greet those who dislike us. These are not feelings but actions. Love is shown in what we do, choosing to bless instead of curse, to speak well instead of gossiping, to do good instead of seeking harm. Even small acts of kindness, like a word of peace or a shared meal, can change hearts. When we do this, we not only reflect God’s character but also find freedom for ourselves.

There is beauty in mercy. When we show grace, we rise above anger and become living examples of Christ’s love. In a world where outrage and division are common, forgiveness is a quiet revolution. It points people to a kingdom not built on pride or payback but on compassion and peace.

We live out our faith when we choose mercy over revenge.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:13

The Eternal Choice Between Mercy and Judgement

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AMY TURNER

The Bible speaks clearly about the reality of eternal life and judgement. In Revelation 20:15, it says that anyone whose name is not found in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire represents hell, a place of final separation from God. The passage reminds us that every person faces one of two final destinations: either eternal life with God or eternal separation from Him.

Importantly, this choice is not based on human achievement or personal worthiness. No one can earn their way to heaven by good deeds or accomplishments. Instead, entry into heaven comes only through God’s grace and mercy, offered freely to those who accept it. It is given to those who recognise their need and trust in the gift of life through Jesus Christ.

The message is simple yet serious: heaven is a place for those who have received mercy, not for those who rely on their own strength.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

The Complete Healing of Jesus

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AMY TURNER

In Mark 7:37, people expressed their amazement at Jesus, saying He did all things well, even making the deaf hear and the mute speak. A man who could not hear and could barely talk was brought to Him. Hearing loss had also limited the man’s speech, as often happens when someone cannot hear their own voice.

Jesus could have restored only the man’s hearing, allowing him to learn speech over time. Instead, His compassion matched His power. In one moment, both the man’s ears and his ability to speak were restored. He spoke clearly right away.

This act revealed more than a miracle of physical healing. It shows us the fullness of His mercy. It may not happen when we want. It may not happen how we want. But it will be complete.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.

John 10:10

God’s Mercy in Everyday Moments

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AMY TURNER

In Mark 1:30, a quiet yet meaningful event takes place in a family home. Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever. Those in the house told Jesus about her condition, and without delay, he went to her, took her hand, and helped her to her feet. The fever left her, and she immediately began to care for those around her.

While this wasn’t a life-threatening illness, doesn’t this show us that God’s grace is present in everyday situations? Most of us have experienced minor illnesses and received kindness from those nearby. Though Peter’s mother-in-law might have recovered in time without intervention, Jesus still chose to heal her.

God’s care is not limited to serious or dramatic problems. His mercy reaches into the ordinary parts of life.

The Lord is good to all,
And His mercies are over all His works.

Psalm 145:9