Life Together: Don't Be Reluctant to Show Mercy

[ZARA81]

	May 7, 2009 Life Together: Don't Be Reluctant to Show Mercy   by Rick Warren In our Devotionals series, Pastor Rick Warren discusses the Bible passages that inspire him the most. Today's Devotional is based on this passage: "When people sin, you should forgive and comfort them, so they won't give up in despair" (2 Corinthians 2:7 CEV).
	In real fellowship people experience mercy. Fellowship is a place of grace, where mistakes aren't rubbed in but rubbed out. Fellowship happens when mercy wins over justice. We all need mercy, because we all stumble and fall and require help getting back on track. We need to offer mercy to each other and be willing to receive it from each other. You can't have fellowship without forgiveness because bitterness and resentment always destroy fellowship. Sometimes we hurt each other intentionally and sometimes unintentionally, but either way, it takes massive amounts of mercy and grace to create and maintain fellowship. The Bible says, "You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others" (Colossians 3:13 NLT). The mercy God shows to us is the motivation for us to show mercy to others. Whenever you're hurt by someone, you have a choice to make: Will I use my energy and emotions for retaliation or for resolution? You can't do both. Many people are reluctant to show mercy because they don't understand the difference between trust and forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past. Trust has to do with future behavior. Forgiveness must be immediate, whether or not a person asks for it. Trust must be rebuilt over time. Trust requires a track record. If someone hurts you repeatedly, you are commanded by God to forgive them instantly, but you are not expected to trust them immediately, and you are not expected to continue allowing them to hurt you. They must prove they have changed over time. The best place to restore trust is within the supportive context of a small group that offers both encouragement and accountability.
	What's the best lesson your mother ever taught you? Mothers, what's the best lesson you've taught your children? Purpose Driven Connection   is collecting Mother's best lessons and family photos to feature on our site! Please share your lessons with us   . Missed out on one of the Daily Devotionals? View the online archives   . Did someone forward this Daily Devotional to you? Get your own free subscription   to The Purpose Driven Connection Daily Devotional, your daily inspiration via email.
	Having trouble viewing this email? View the online version   . You are subscribed as [e-mail]. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences   . The Purpose Driven Connection Daily Devotional newsletter is produced by PurposeDriven.com   . Have a question or comment? Tell us   online or by mail at Purpose Driven Connection, PO Box 8108, Red Oak, IA 51591-1108 © 2009. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. Read our Privacy Policy   .