"Rich in Mercy"

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV)

In the New Testament, the Greek noun “ἔλεος” is defined as mercy, encompassing both human and divine compassion. It is easy to have compassion for one who is a friend, family member, or known for their kindness. It is another thing to have compassion for one who hates you, is evil, or is known for the nature of sin. Jesus used this example in Matthew 5:46. “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?” Are we capable of this practice? Yes and no. If we have the love of God in us, yes. If we are lost, no, we are not. But the transformative power of God's love and mercy can make us capable of such compassion.

This is exemplified frequently in the news where someone has injured or killed someone, and in the trial, or during sentencing, the victim or the victim's family or loved one openly expresses forgiveness for this person and prays for them. This is not an easy thing and can only be accomplished with the mercy and love of God.

When we come to understand our sin, we begin to understand the mercy of God. God is perfect. Every attribute of God is reflected 100%. In other words, God is not 10% love, 10% mercy, or 10% wrath or anger. God is 100% of every attribute. Our sin, however small we attempt to portray it, is magnified by the nature of God and is worthy of our destruction.

Paul is telling us that, despite our drowning in sin and facing capital punishment, God still loved us. We were the walking dead, and God, in His love, snatched us up from the pit of hell and made us alive in Christ. The Living Bible translation of this verse says, “He gave us our life back.” How, and why did He do this?

In the propitiation of Christ, our sin was borne by Jesus, who was sinless, yet paid the price for our sin. The love of God is displayed in the covenants. Despite the Israelites' rebellions, God was faithful, merciful, and loving, leading them out of bondage and into the promised land. The sacrifice of Christ ushered in the new covenant with God. A covenant of grace that is open to all who believe in Christ and His finished work on the cross. The key is God’s grace, and grace seems to be the key to many gifts from God.

It is by grace that one comes to faith in Christ. Without the grace of God, which enables us to see our sin and Jesus for who He truly is, we would remain lost in our sin. This grace, a gift we do not deserve, is what opened the eyes of Martin Luther to the gospel when he read Romans 1:17, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” This grace started the Reformation, changing religion in Europe forever. It is this same grace that we should be grateful for, as it leads us to salvation.

Many people go through each day feeling unloved. There is a part of them that is missing, and they think it, but are unaware of what is missing. In their despair, they are alone. In their loss or grieving, they are isolated. My heart was broken the night I asked God to break my heart with what breaks His. The understanding that many will perish never knowing Christ became overwhelming.

If anyone did not deserve to find salvation through Christ, it is I, yet while in my sins, He saved me. Is that your reality? Is that God’s grace in your life? Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? I pray you will seek him in earnest, that you will fall before Him and ask Him to save you from your sins. I pray He will give you the grace to receive faith. The time to seek Him is now, not later. Each day is precious; seek Him today.

Grace and Peace.