Dear Redeeming Grace,

Last week Dave helped us see more clearly that if we are to show mercy, our compassion and empathy has to give birth to action. Mercy involves both our hearts and our hands. As we considered what it looks like to be merciful because God has been merciful to us, I was reminded of a simple and very helpful verse from Ephesians 5.

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children." (Eph. 5:1 ESV)

We've probably all played the children's game "follow the leader". Most kids love to play it as they fix their eyes on the leader and do their very best to act out exactly what they see. And in a similar way I think that's at the heart of what it means to be an imitator of God.

God is merciful towards us. When He declares his name in Exodus 34, as Dave reminded us, the first aspect of his revealed character is mercy.

"The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious...." (Exodus 34:6 ESV)

As those who've experienced the mercy of God most clearly in Christ laying down his life to forgive us and demonstrate his love, let's follow the leader. Let's forgive when we're wronged. Let's prefer one another. Let's meet the needs of those around us as we're able. By God's grace we can be a people who show the love and mercy of Christ.

We'd encourage you to continue to pray that the Lord would show you practical ways to imitate Him in being merciful this week.