Verse for Today

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Verse for Today

April 17th, 2024

April 17, 2024 • Luke 3:36

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‭Luke 6:36 ESV‬

[36] Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.6.36.ESV

Here’s what mercy really looks like…

What would you do if you ran into someone who offended, upset, or greatly wronged you?

The Pharisees in Jesus’ time taught that it was excessive to forgive someone more than three times. But Jesus’ teachings set a standard for extravagant forgiveness. He emphasized that we should forgive others generously and continuously.

The outward expression of forgiveness can look different for everyone, but true forgiveness should offer mercy and compassion to those who hurt us.

Forgiveness isn’t easy. Showing compassion to someone who hurt us goes against our natural desire. At times, it can even feel overwhelming, unfair, and impossible. But showing someone undeserved forgiveness and compassion is what mercy is … and it’s what Jesus does for us.

God so loved the world that—despite our constant mistakes and continual rejection of His presence—He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for us. Although we didn’t deserve His forgiveness or love, He offered it to us anyways. And now, anyone who believes in Jesus can receive unlimited mercy and unmerited grace.

It’s because God freely offers us mercy that He asks us to show mercy also.

The world will tell you to hold onto your hurt and allow it to shape you. But Jesus wants to release you from the pain of your past by changing your heart’s posture toward others. This isn’t easy—it is often an act of continual, painful surrender. But Jesus doesn’t expect us to go through the process of forgiveness alone. He offers to help us if we are willing to trust Him and honor His teachings.

Jesus isn’t asking us to do anything that He hasn’t already done for us. And when we offer mercy to someone who has wounded us, we illustrate how God’s forgiveness has impacted us.

So is there anyone you can offer mercy and forgiveness to today? Spend some time with God, ask Him to search your heart, and give Him any hurt you’ve been carrying.

Verse for Today

May 29, 2024 • Psalm 119:105

‭Psalm 119:105 ESV‬ [105] Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.119.105.esv An Illuminating Light Imagine trekking through the woods on a pitch-black night with only a lantern or flashlight to guide you. How would you stay on the trail? How would you know where to go? How would you keep from getting lost? The author of Psalm 119 shares some insight: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭119‬:‭105‬ ‭NIV‬‬ The word of God refers to the written or spoken message of God, the Bible, as well as the message of God revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, often called the Word. God is real. He created you on purpose, and He designed this world with you in mind. So, how can you know who He is, what He’s like, and what He desires from and for you? You can know God, better understand who He’s created you to be, and navigate this increasingly dark world by the light of His Word. The word of God is like a light in your hand, illuminating truths about the story of God, the character of God, and the ways of God. It helps us understand His creation and answer difficult questions or make hard choices. The guidance found in God’s Word is perfect. His story is true. His instructions are trustworthy. His promises will stand. His commands are like beams of light pointing us back to Himself. Now, notice what this verse doesn’t say. It doesn’t say that God’s word is a spotlight exposing to everyone every single thing about your past, present, or future. No, God’s Word is a lamp for your feet and a light on your path. And as you walk with Him, step by step, He will lead you to life.

Verse for Today

May 28, 2024 • Colossians 1:13–14

‭Colossians 1:13-14 ESV‬ [13] He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. https://bible.com/bible/59/col.1.13-14.esv The Kingdom of Light When we talk about the gospel of Jesus, we most often talk about Jesus’ crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. As Christians, these are the truths that we believe in that grant us salvation, and are an important part of the New Testament message. But there is more that happens behind the scenes of Jesus’ death. Paul unpacks some of those things in the letter he writes to the Colossian church. Through his resurrection, Jesus conquered the evil supernatural powers that oppose God. Jesus proved Himself victorious over death and darkness—they cannot defeat Him or overthrow His Kingdom. This is why Paul says that we have been rescued from the dominion of darkness. Before we were part of God’s family, we were held captive in darkness by our own way that opposed God. In fact, later in the same chapter of Colossians, Paul says: "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior." Colossians 1:21 NIV However, since Jesus conquered death and was victorious over the kingdom of darkness, we too are rescued and freed from our old ways as well. We are forgiven in Christ and given a new life in God’s kingdom–this is what Paul calls "redemption." Death has no dominion over us, if we accept the life Jesus freely offers to us. We are now called a new creation in Jesus, and the Spirit of God dwells within us, guiding us toward what God planned for us. Take a moment to consider the greatness and goodness of Jesus. Thank Him for all that He has done for you, specifically for making a way to have a relationship with Him, free from your old ways. He is victorious!

Verse for Today

May 19, 2024 • Acts 2:38

‭Acts 2:38 ESV‬ [38] And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. https://bible.com/bible/59/act.2.38.esv A Better Way Have you ever gone the wrong way? Once you realized that you were headed in the opposite direction of where you wanted to end up, did you keep going—or did you turn around? We’ve all been lost at one time or another. We’ve all done things we regret. We’ve all messed up. “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 NIV “Sin” (the Greek word hamartia) means to miss the mark, to be mistaken, or to wander from the path of righteousness. “Repent” (the Greek word metanoeō) means to change one’s mind, change direction, or think and act differently. To summarize our situation: God made the world, we messed it up, and Jesus has come to make things right again. This is our story. But the great news is, even when we’ve made choices that haven’t honored God in the past, it’s not too late to turn around. But you (“each of you,” as Peter said) must decide if you want to abandon the path that eventually leads to empty pleasure and unnecessary pain, and turn back to God—allowing grace to wash over you, and by accepting the gift that’s already yours. And that awesome gift—the Holy Spirit—will help you, lead you, and comfort you … in a way that only He can. And though you can’t take credit for purchasing the gift or giving the gift, the gift isn’t truly yours until you reach out and take it. Your family cannot do it for you. Your friends cannot do it for you. Your church cannot do it for you. “He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” Psalm 23:3 NLT As you process today’s verse, in what way can you turn from your selfish desires and run back to God? Ask Him to give you the strength, discernment, and endurance to keep following Him … wherever He leads. He is the better way.