Mercy and Faith

I am finding mercy and faith to be inseparable, but I did not always see it that way. 

I was raised, like so many my age, to take responsibility for myself, fulfilling my obligations.

My father owned a clothing store. I began helping out there when I was eight years old watching for “five finger discounts” [shop lifting] during seasonal sales. 

When I noticed questionable activity, all I had to do was smile and ask, “May I help you?” It worked every time, even for an eight year old. 

I’m not sure, but that may have helped me develop a lack of mercy for others that lasted a long time.

I also grew up attending church, but I was pretty skeptical about Jesus being an historical figure. My thinking at the time split the questions about faith and mercy into two different questions. If I accept he is, “real,” then believing he is who he says he is, was a different matter and a genuine leap of faith for me.

It took me into my teens to realize He is indeed real and truly the Son of God. It took me a little longer, to realize I am not actually self-sufficient and the gap between us is also seriously real. 

Once I believed He is who He says He is, I gained a measure of faith in Him, but understanding the depth of my need for mercy took a bit longer. Honestly, I still bump up against that need occasionally. 

Following Jesus for decades now, I am still aiming to become increasingly conformed to His image day by day. In this journey I experience the interconnectedness of mercy and faith more and more.

My need to receive forgiveness is clearer every day as I walk by faith.

Without faith in Jesus, I have no sufficient possibility of receiving mercy. 

He is the only workable solution for my need of mercy.

And by placing my faith in who He is, is what unlocks the solution.

This is where we all press into His perfect love for us to the point of overflow.

Over the years I have softened. Fortunately, the process continues.

I am surprised by the number of times people I pray for, tell me how merciful I am. When that happens, I try to not laugh out loud and I let them know that it is not me, but Christ in me. 

I can only give Him all the glory for His mercy and faith. For we are all saved by mercy through faith. [Grace is a synonym for mercy.]

Have you ever sensed the need for mercy? 

Have you ever lacked faith in Jesus to allow Him to grant you mercy? 

As we let go of our needs, 

giving them to Him, 

and through faith

 invite Him in to meet us, 

so that His supply begins to flow.

 It is in this process that changes happen.