Day 1 – Read Ephesians 2:4

We studied a few weeks ago that grace is getting what you don’t deserve. Mercy is not getting what you do deserve. Do you see the difference? God, through Jesus, gives us eternal life with Him. That is His grace. God, through Jesus, gives us a way to avoid getting what we deserve. We deserve to be separated from God forever. This is how God is merciful.

Day 2 – Read Ephesians 2:4Write it out. Memorize this verse today.

Day 3 – Read Romans 6:23A wage is something you deserve.

What do we deserve?          

What did Jesus do for you on the cross?
Did Jesus do anything wrong?
Did He deserve to die or did you? How did God show you mercy?

Day 4Imagine you were on trial for a law that you had broken. You are standing before the judge, who is about to give you the sentence you deserve, and someone walks in and says “WAIT! I will go to jail for you.”  This person has done nothing wrong. You are the one who deserves the punishment. This is what Jesus did for you. God’s mercy is seen in Jesus taking the punishment for your sin so you don’t have to die and live apart from God forever.

Day 5

If God is merciful, then we should be merciful. How can you be merciful today?

DIG DEEPER

Read Luke 10:30-37
You can’t be merciful unless you have compassion for people. Compassion means you care for someone enough to help them in some way. God has more compassion for us than we can ever imagine. The Bible tells us a true story about a man who had compassion for another person. Read about the good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37. If you want to be merciful, then you have to care for others. How does this story challenge you to care for others in need?