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Tense. Divided. Broken. Isolated. Hostile. Vitriolic. Anxious. Skeptical.
Do these words ring true of your own experience today or call recent headlines to mind?
In our volatile cultural moment, it’s imperative that Christ-followers take up his mandate to be messengers of mercy to a hostile, hurting and broken world. We’re poised with a unique opportunity to rise above the noise and offer lasting hope and healing.
But before we can truly offer mercy to others, we must embrace it for ourselves. Mercy begins with an inward transformation, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as we acknowledge and receive the unmerited favor of God lavished on us through Jesus. When our hearts are changed by his mercy, we are emboldened to carry it into our homes, churches and communities. To equip us to this end, I’m excited to lead us on The Mercy Journey, a four-week series starting this Sunday.
Inspired by brand-new data from research firm the Barna Group, The Mercy Journey will help us understand prevailing attitudes toward and expressions of mercy in the American church and in our culture at large. Convicted by God’s mandate to “love mercy” (Micah 6:8), we’ll take a fresh look at some of scripture’s most well-known and beloved stories of mercy, and be challenged to move toward others with compassion, forgiveness and kindness.
I hope you’ll join me this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM as we take our first step on The Mercy Journey.
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