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READ: LUKE 15:1-3, 11-32\n\n\n\nLife can be tough, and we all make mistakes, but one thing that remains constant is God\u2019s mercy. In moments of doubt, fear, or guilt, we often forget just how merciful our heavenly Father is. So, let\u2019s dive into this wonderful aspect of God\u2019s character and reflect on the question: Isn\u2019t it merciful?\n\n\n\nWhat even is mercy anyway? Mercy is often defined as compassion or forgiveness shown by someone in a position of power toward someone who deserves punishment. In essence, it\u2019s about withholding punishment or offering kindness when it\u2019s not deserved. We all sin, and we all fall short of God\u2019s glory\u2014 however, God\u2019s mercy is abundant (Romans 3:23-24).\n\n\n\nRemember this: God\u2019s mercy is unfailing. It\u2019s not based on what we do or don\u2019t do; it\u2019s a gift freely given (Ephesians 2:1-10; Titus 3:3-7). And Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us that God\u2019s mercies are new every morning. No matter how many times we stumble or fall, God\u2019s mercy is there to pick us up and set us on the right path.\n\n\n\nBut, humans are imperfect. You may sometimes feel overwhelmed by your own imperfections. You might worry about falling short of expectations, not just from others but also from yourself. But remember, God knows your weaknesses, and His mercy is tailor-made for your imperfections (Hebrews 4:14-16). He knows all your flaws, and He loves you anyway. He loves you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for you so that you can be forgiven and dwell with Him for eternity (1 Peter 1:3-9).\n\n\n\nSo, we can now live out God\u2019s mercy. God\u2019s mercy isn\u2019t just for us to receive; it\u2019s also for us to extend to others (Colossians 3:12). We have opportunities every day to show mercy to our friends, family, and people we interact with at school, work, church, the grocery store, etc. By offering forgiveness and compassion, we can be living examples of God\u2019s mercy.\n\n\n\nSo, let\u2019s revisit the question: Isn\u2019t it merciful? Yes, God\u2019s mercy is a gift that keeps on giving, and it\u2019s available to us every day! We are loved and cherished, imperfections and all. And as we carry the awareness of God\u2019s mercy in our hearts, it shines through our actions toward others. God is always ready to forgive and heal, to welcome us with open arms. \u2022 Matthew Shumway\n\n\n\n\u2022 Can you think of a time someone showed you mercy? What was that like?\n\n\n\n\u2022 In Jesus\u2019s parable (or symbolic story) in Luke 15, what do you notice about God\u2019s mercy?\n\n\n\nThe faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)