But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT
Think about it. You were spiritually dead, a slave to sin, an orphan – you were lost. Not a great catch by any stretch of the imagination. But God … God the Creator, the King of the Universe, the One and Only. That God is rich in mercy. SO rich. What is mercy? Mercy is unmerited favor or compassion shown to someone who is suffering or in need, someone for whom it is within their power to harm or punish. God is RICH in that. We were suffering and in need, certainly within His power to harm or punish.
But God who is so rich in mercy also “loved us so much,” even though we were dead in our sins and had nothing to recommend us. Think of it. He created you. He sustains you in this daily life. He wants peace, happiness, and everlasting life for you. Martin Luther was overwhelmed by the thought of it. He talked of his forgiveness and sonship with God and said, “All this out of pure, fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which I owe it to Him to thank, praise, serve, and obey Him.” Whew! It is breathtaking.
Here is the amazing truth. God loved you before you ever did anything good. Before there was anything in the plus column for you. God didn’t just love the YOU He created you to be – He loved the you that you were right then in your sin and lostness. In His great mercy He loved you so much that He sent Jesus to pay the price for you. He did this while you were still a slave to sin, without any guarantee you would ever put your faith in Jesus and His sacrifice. He did that for me too.
In fact, He did it for the whole world. Those in every time and place who have been and are lost, slaves to sin, orphans in this world are the ones for whom He has mercy and love. Jesus died and rose again for all of humanity, and His gift of true life extends to all who receive Him.
He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins – and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. 1 John 2:2 NLT
Mercy, mercy, as endless as the sea.
I'll sing your hallelujah for all eternity.
May I never lose the wonder, Oh, the wonder of your mercy.
May I sing your hallelujah, Hallelujah! Amen. – Chris Tomlin
- Give your own heartfelt song of gratitude to God for His amazing mercy and love.