“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.”
Ephesians 2:4,5
More often than not, Christians and the church are perceived as judgmental or close-minded. We are always the “first to judge” or the ones holding up the picket signs that say “God hates gays”. That breaks my heart. As I’ve been reflecting on the crucifixion and the sacrifice that Jesus gave on the cross, none of those perceptions and stereotypes reflect what he did. Jesus lived his life sacrificially. He gave his life so that we would have eternity with him in heaven. Now, because of that sacrifice and opportunity, how much more should our lives reflect that rather than the stereotypes of Christians today?
A friend introduced me to Elevation Worship (listen to it if you aren’t already!). The first song on one of the albums is called “The Church”. The lyrics are so convicting.
“Now’s the time for us to rise and carry hope and let love shine and show this world that mercy is alive.”
As I’ve been thinking about the seven billion people on this planet, I realized they all have souls. They all have an opportunity to spend eternity in heaven. If we were to change how we loved and showed mercy to those in our lives, how many lives would be changed because of it?
I desire that we as Christians change those perceptions. I want us to be a people known for the way we love, generously give and show mercy. How much more different would our society look if we were a people like that? How much more would your world be different if you lived in the mercy of the sacrifice of Jesus? How many people in your life are in need of a little extra love and mercy? Think about that during your week. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us. How powerful is that?! Just begin to imagine how different lives would be if we loved intentionally.
Author: Nicole Presley