#god's mercy

[thewordfortheday]

Yet hope returns when I remember this one thing: The Lord's unfailing love and mercy still continue, fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. The Lord is all I have, and so in Him I put my hope. Lamentations 3:21-24

When we’re living for Jesus we know that every new morning is an opportunity to praise God. Yesterday's mistakes have been washed away by His mercies. Today, He has a measure of His grace with which to face the new day with all its challenges.

Be excited when you see the sun rise. Let it stir a new hope in you. The One who painted the sunrise is the One who holds your day. So rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Hope in Him. He will never let you down.

[artemlegere]

God's Mercy

by Robert Herrick

God's boundless mercy is (to sinful man) Like to the ever-wealthy ocean: Which though it sends forth thousand streams, 'tis ne're Known, or else seen, to be the emptier; And though it takes all in, 'tis yet no more Full, and filled full, then when full filled before.

🖌️Compassion • Carol Heyer

[dramoor]

"Although I have completely subjected myself to sin and am unworthy of heaven, of earth and of this passing life, even though I am a slave to delights and have disgraced Your image, yet I still do not lose hope in salvation, wretched as I am, for You have made and fashioned me. I place my hope in Your boundless mercy and approach You."

~St. Basil

(Photo © dramoor 2014, Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia)

[walkswithmyfather]

“Mercy in Doubt” By Bible.com:

“In the book of Jude, we come across a simple yet profound instruction: "Be merciful to those who doubt" (Jude 1:22). These words remind us of the importance of extending God's mercy and compassion to those who may be struggling in their faith. This includes ourselves!

Doubt is a common experience in the journey of faith. It can arise from various sources, such as intellectual questions, personal struggles, or the influence of the world around us. When we encounter people who are wrestling with doubt, it is crucial that we respond with mercy and understanding.

Being merciful means showing kindness, compassion, and patience towards others. It involves listening without judgment, offering support, and providing a safe space for honest conversations. When we extend mercy to those who doubt, we create an environment where they can openly express their questions and concerns, without fear of rejection or condemnation.

As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His example. Jesus was always compassionate towards those who were struggling in their faith. He met people where they were, offering understanding and guidance. He never turned away those who sought Him, even if they had doubts or uncertainties.

When we extend mercy to those who doubt, we not only help them on their journey but also reflect the heart of our loving Savior. We can even be merciful to ourselves when we experience doubt.

There's room for the questions. There's room for the uncertainties. Doubt doesn't intimidate Jesus, and it doesn't need to intimidate us either.

PRAYER: God, help me have a heart of mercy towards those who doubt. Help me create safe spaces for honest conversations, offering support and understanding. And most of all, thank You for staying unchanging, even when I doubt You. I want to be more like You. In Jesus' name, Amen.”

[momentsbeforemass]

Too much

Everyone has their breaking point, right?

That point at which they have absolutely had it. When they finally had to end the relationship or quit the job. Because they can’t take it anymore and they are done.

We’ve all been there.

We’ve all been the one to make the break. You and I have gotten to that point. Where we had to leave for our own mental wellbeing, our physical health, or both.

But that’s not the only reason why you and I know about that breaking point, is it?

We hate to admit it, but there are times when you and I have been on the other side of that breaking point.

Where we have been the one that someone had to make the break with.

Because we kept screwing things up. Or we were stuck in unhealthy patterns. Or we couldn’t get over ourselves. Or we didn’t make time for them. Or any of a million other ways it becomes too much.

Because everyone has their breaking point.

We’re so used to finding that breaking point with other people – and even with ourselves – that we just assume God works the same way.

And that we’re going to screw things up. Or fall back into our unhealthy patterns. Or get full of ourselves. Or make time for everything but God. Or whatever it is.

One time too many. And we’re going to find out that God has a breaking point too.

Which is exactly what we don’t see in today’s Gospel – with the woman caught in adultery.

Jesus doesn’t give her one last chance. Or tell her that it’s too late.

Instead, Jesus forgives her.

And lets her know that her life doesn’t have to be this way.

That even if she doesn’t see it, she is more than her flaws, her faults, her failings.

“Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”

Tradition says that St. Cyril of Jerusalem (today’s saint) had a vision of Jesus meeting her again after the Resurrection. After she had fallen back into her old ways.

When they met, she was so ashamed that she couldn’t even meet His eyes. Jesus gently lifted up her head and softly said to her again,

“Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”

Today’s Readings

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Light of the Gospel

1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. — 2 Corinthians 4 | New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide. Cross References: Genesis 1:3; Judges 7:2; Job 4:19; Psalm 30:5; Psalm 37:24; Psalm 129:2; Proverbs 24:16; Isaiah 26:20; Isaiah 40:31; Jeremiah 45:3; Habakkuk 3:17; Matthew 13:22; Luke 21:36; John 1:18; Acts 2:24; Acts 26:18; Romans 6:5; Romans 6:8; Romans 6:21; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 4:15; 1 Corinthians 9:19; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Corinthians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 6:9; Colossians 3:10; Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 4:14; 2 Peter 1:1

What does it mean that we have treasures in jars of clay?

2 Corinthians 04 - NIV Dramatized Audio

[godswordnkjv]

[beloved-of-john]

heyy, fellow Christian here (catholic)

I saw you say that you struggle with the idea that those that don't believe in Christ won't be saved, and i get it because some time ago i struggled with it too, but i have great news for you: the Church teaches that it isn't true!!

Like, what saves people is Grace, and while God surely does give Grace through the sacraments, He can also give it in extraordinary ways only He knows.

Which means that actually a person that doesn't know Christ might be more in Grace than a person that does but, for example, decides to sin and not repent.

Idk if this helps, but it gives me hope and peace so i hope it will bring them to you too

ps: i am not used to talk about religion in english, so i hope that what i wrote was at least understandable ckxjdk

It was really nice to hear that the church teaches this and that non-believers can receive God's Grace and loving mercy, thank you for telling me about this ❤️

[bibleversegarden]

Jesus Christ, Our Great High Priest, Redeemer, Savior and Lord

Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, has atoned for our sins, once for all, and has reconciled us to God our Maker. 

God's perfect sacrificial Lamb without blemish, offered Himself for our redemption, and is the only Mediator between God and men.

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Hebrews 10:1-7 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.

For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come—In the volume of the book it is written of Me—To do Your will, O God.' "

Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. Hebrews 10:19-23 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (See also Hebrews Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 in its entirety.)

Matthew 27:50-53 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. Ephesians 2:13-18 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

(See Ephesians Chapter 2 in its entirety.) The good news of God's salvation is to be proclaimed in all the earth. Whosoever will may come, both Jew and Gentile; receive God's pardon and walk in newness of life. - A Walk In The Garden Devotions

[yeslordmyking]

Matthew 9:12 — Today's Verse for Thursday, September 12, 2024

[busy-with-little-things]

idk man i've just realized that i shouldn't be hard on myself when i'm... not my best self?

Like I've been sick on and off all summer, and sometimes i don't live up to my expectations or someone else's but there have been plenty of instances throughout my life where i have been productive, prayerful, intentional, kind, and patient- and majority of those are days where I have been physically and mentally healthy.

so.

I'm hoping that God in His mercy sees me for my best and helps me when I'm not.

[thewordfortheday]

Compassion is a rare commodity; people of the world even view it as a weakness. How different is the God of the Bible! His very nature is compassion; His delight is to show mercy. Jesus’ whole ministry could be summed up in this one word- compassion. He felt compassion toward those who were downtrodden, sick, sad, and those who were in emotional distress. Most of all, He had compassion on those who were suffering spiritually. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 His heart ached for lost souls. His hands reached out to those in need, those who were hungry and sad.  Does your heart ache for lost souls, for the hungry, the homeless? If so, have you acted on that compassion?

[samantabrzozowska]

"Welcome to my paradise world!"

~ Sam

"Palm trees blessing."

~ Sam

[dramoor]

"God's loving kindness and tender mercies are there, sometimes obscured by life's brambles, but always moving before us, leading the way."

~Arthur Cutten

(Photo © dramoor 2023)

[walkswithmyfather]

‭Lamentations 3:22-23 (GNT‬). “The Lord's unfailing love and mercy still continue, Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise.”

‭Lamentations 3:22-23 (AMP‬). “It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, Because His [tender] compassions never fail. [Mal 3:6][23] They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness. [Is 33:2]”

Amen! 🙏🕊️🙌

[momentsbeforemass]

Kyrie

“Why don’t you say it in English?”

I didn’t know her. I had never seen her at Mass before. But that was the first thing she said to me after Mass.

My insightful response – “What?”

“Why don’t you say ‘Lord have mercy’ in English?”

She was annoyed at having to repeat herself to a rather slow deacon.

“Actually, sometimes I do say in in English. But mostly, I say it in Greek. Because that’s the original language for the Mass.

Kyrie eleison, in Greek, is part of the earliest known Masses. When the Mass went to Latin, the Kyrie stayed Greek.

St. Joan of Arc said it, at the last Mass she heard before the English burned her at the stake.

St. Maximillian Kolbe said it, at the last Mass he celebrated before the Nazi’s starved him to death.

For me, it’s a call-back. To the beginning. And to every generation between then and now. The saints we know, and the saints only God knows.

It’s a way of claiming our part in that big picture.”

She left without saying much. Apparently, that was not the desired answer.

Looking back, I think I left out the best part.

The Kyrie isn’t just a few words in Greek that we keep around for old times’ sake.

And it doesn’t just represent something much greater – it is something much greater.

Something worth holding on to. The thread that runs through it all. And the heart of our Faith.

Because the heart of our Faith is the mercy of God.

Kyrie eleison.

Today’s Readings