Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens – Jesus the Son of God – let us hold fast to the confession.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are yet without sin.  Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.   Hebrews 4:14-16  HCSB

Mercy is defined as compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.  Grace has several definitions.  It is defined as simple elegance or refinement of movement, courteous goodwill, the period allowed for payment or compliance.  But grace as it is used in the bible is defined as the unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.  In other words, grace is mercy, love, and kindness that we didn’t earn.  It’s mercy that is given through the kindness and compassion of a loving God.

You see it is fully within God’s power to punish or harm us in any way that He sees fit.  But God made us in His image.  He made us to be in fellowship with Him.  This is why when we are in close relationship with Him we feel that peace in our heart.  But when we are not in fellowship with our Lord and Savior, well things can be chaotic.   Instead of peace, our lives can be filled with drama.

Now for us to receive God’s mercy and grace, it is a pretty simple procedure.  First of all, we need to remember that Jesus came to earth as fully man and fully God.  The fact that He was fully man means that he suffered temptation.  He suffered heartache and pain, so he is not unable to sympathize with us, you might say that He has been there and done that.  He did all of that, not to get the t-shirt or even a trophy, but to save miserable sinners like you and me.  But the difference between Him and us, aside from the fact that He was fully God, is that He suffered through these temptations without sin.  But pay careful attention to the last part of today’s scripture.  We are told that Jesus understands our weaknesses, so we can approach the throne of grace with boldness.  We can receive mercy and find grace to help us when we need it.  We need it all the time, in case you are wondering when you might need it.  At any given moment we are apt to mess up.  But also we need it in order to be able to freely give it.  It’s wonderful when we are on the receiving end, but we must not forget that we are also expected to give it.

In Matthew 6, Jesus gives a model prayer and teaches us how to pray.  As I have said before the bible is your instruction manual on anything.  Anyway after he gives us this model prayer, he reminds us in verse 14-15 that we are to forgive people and He goes on to say that if we fail to forgive others that God will not forgive us.

No matter what you have done, God is willing to forgive you.  He is willing to show mercy and extend grace.  We don’t deserve it, we didn’t earn it, but still He freely gives it.  He expects us to do the same.  A dear friend reminded me yesterday that we never know what someone else has gone through.  I have learned over the years that many people are hiding secrets buried deep in their heart.  Secrets of past pain or rejection that has effected the way they behave.  So, while you may see someone who has some annoying habits, perhaps you should try to see someone that needs our mercy and grace.  And maybe when you are thinking that you are fresh out you could imagine what would have happened if God had told you He was fresh out when you went to Him seeking His mercy and grace.

I am struggling with the fact that it is not my job to judge others.  It is not always my job to “fix” others.  It is my job to love others and show them how Christ loved even a miserable sinner like me.  It is my job to remember how unworthy I am of God’s mercy, grace and love.  In remembering this, it is my job to extend that same mercy, grace and love to others.  Won’t you join me as I try to make this very important change in my life.

Have a great day!