Today’s 333 Devotional: “Giving in View of God’s Mercies”

The Apostle Paul said, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

Being a living sacrifice isn’t accomplished by winning God’s approval through good works; rather it is in response to God’s mercy that He has shown to us, in that while we were yet sinners Jesus Christ came to this earth to die for us, to extend the Father’s mercy towards us.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Therefore, we are to live our life as those living sacrifices recognizing the ultimate sacrifice given to us is when Jesus died for us.

A mother approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. Napoleon responded that her son had committed the offense twice and justice demanded death. The mother responded, “But I don’t ask for justice, I am pleading for mercy.”

Napoleon responded, “But your son doesn’t deserve mercy.” To which the mother cried, “Sir, it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for.” Upon hearing this, Napoleon then extended mercy and spared her son’s life.

Therefore, to be a living sacrifice is based upon God’s mercy, which is part of God’s character.

“For the Lord your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which He confirmed to them by oath.” (Deuteronomy 4:31)

God is merciful, and because of His mercy we don’t get what we deserve, and that is, justice, leading to death. Instead, we get grace, leading to eternal life.

Therefore, God is a merciful God, giving us mercy, when we don’t deserve it, along with great and precious promises, not to mention supplying all our needs when we seek Him and His kingdom first in our lives (Matthew 6:33).