Looking Out

Introduction

Diabetic Diagnostic.

Internal disease effected external symptoms.

Trace it backwards.

Faith diagnostic.

“Do I show mercy?”

1. What does it look like to show mercy?

2. What does it mean if I don’t desire to show mercy?

Have Compassion In Action

We live in a “thoughts & prayers” culture. Used as an excuse for inaction.

First meaning of “mercy” is compassion in action.

Yes, prayer is an action, but we will see that Jesus taught us to...

Combine prayers with action.

We have the phrase “put your money where your mouth is.”

Put your hands and feet where your faith is.

1 John 3:17–18 ESV

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

But to whom should we show mercy?

We find Jesus answering this question in Luke 10:29-37.

Luke 10:36–37 ESV

Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

We have the opportunity to “go and do likewise.”

Ongoing offering. 3% of that stays here in the OKC Metro. Grace Rescue Mission and Baptist Mission Center.

Blessing Bin. VBS brought in over 1,000 items to be distributed in our own backyard.

EBCCares where we partner with CarePortal and the 1-1-1 Project.

EBCCares

Send a text to:

81010

Text this message:

@ebccares

Give Forgiveness

The world has some respect for philanthropy and volunteerism, but not forgiveness.

For many, offering forgiveness is viewed as a sign of weakness.

We celebrate vengeance.

Again, the widening chasm.

Effect of withholding forgiveness - drinking poison expecting to make the other person ill.

Instead, the biblical model for fogivenness is...

What we have recieved, give.

Consider all that Christ has forgiven. So much more.

Jesus teaches this concept in Matthew 18:21-35.

$20,000,000 vs $12,000

Matthew 18:33 ESV

And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’

Helpful Hughes:

If you are a Christian, you can forgive and will forgive, however imperfectly it may be.

Be Transformed By Mercy

Showing mercy is a sign of having received mercy.

In the context of the Christian faith, we understand mercy as a component of salvation.

To be saved and have received mercy (not receiving punishment that would be just).

Mercy changes how we view others.

Imagine this conversation: A Christian who has struggled with their faith and their life. Sinned and owns it. But not really repenting...

Option 1: Affirm them. (Excusing their sin)

—And how does the person respond?

Option 2: Condemn them. (Being harsh and offering no hope or love) Often, a person condemns sinners who struggle with the same sin.

—And how does the person respond?

Option 3: Edify them. (Love them. Offer mercy. Encourages them back to Jesus)

—And how does the person respond?

Conclusion

Let mercy overflow.

Benefits to mercy:

Mercy brings joy to others.

Mercy relieves bitterness.

Mercy edifies others.

To give mercy, mercy must have been received.

Have you received mercy?

It only comes through Jesus.

These are things that Jesus did, taught, and now offers.