The fourth and final picture of unity is a picture of people of the same nation. In verse nine Peter eludes to it with his statement of “a holy nation.” We are all people of God if we have come to know Christ as our savior. In this passage Peter gives to us one last practice for unity, Mercy. Mercy by definition is not getting what we deserve. Think about that in light of our interaction with each other. How often do we want to get back at someone who has done something to us? Maybe I should ask how often we think that way. Have you ever been guilty of treating someone differently because of what they may have done to you? I know I have. But in this passage Peter makes clear to us the reason we show mercy. Because we have been shown mercy. Just imagine if God decided to give to us what we deserve. Guess what we all would be dead. Each of us deserves death because of our sin. Death is the penalty for sin. However, God saw fit for each of us to experience life through His son. God poured out His wrath on Jesus so that we can have life and have it more abundantly. Why should we be merciful? Because we have been shown mercy and that is reason enough.
Father help me to be merciful. Help me to look at others that way you see them. Remind me daily that you have shown me mercy. Let that reminder be reason enough for me to show mercy.
No comments:
Post a Comment