July 1

Mercy in Action

“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?” . . . Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22).

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Song: “Grace Greater Than Our Sin”

Harry had a life his father could have only imagined. Working extended hours at the local grist mill, accumulating as much overtime as he could, his father managed to tuck away every spare dime. All for one purpose: to give his son opportunities beyond the backbreaking work he endured every day.

As for Harry, he pursued higher education at the university, making his parents quite proud. The young man excelled in his studies, but fell short of funds toward the end. Thus he asked his father to sacrifice even further—with a loan he promised to repay.

Upon graduation, Harry landed a job that soon made him a wealthy man. Caught up in a life of excesses, he eventually gambled away everything he owned. At rock bottom, he asked his parents for mercy. “Could you forgive the loan? Can I come back home?”

What would you do? It’s not easy to forgive when you’ve been betrayed. God knows it’s hard. Yet He wants us to trust Him in everything, even when we want to take matters into our own hands. If we can remember how generously He forgives us, we may find the courage to extend heavenly mercy too.

Father, Your Son died on the cross, taking upon Him my sin debt. It’s not easy for me to release the debts of others—but lead me with Your wisdom. In Christ. Amen.

July 1. Kathleen Wilson-Dowdy lives in Sarver, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Jonathan. They minister together in the local church and care for foster children in their home.