“But God, Who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us” (Ephesians 2:4).

Yesterday I left you with the encounter of Armando and Lucas. Several months before this, Lucas had returned home and discovered that his home had been burglarized. The police detectives were able to trace the burglary to Armando. In fact, several of the stolen items belonging to Lucas were discovered still in the possession of Armando. While out of jail on bail, one of the men reached out to Armando and brought him to church. Turning the corner, Armando stood face-to-face with Lucas. Both were startled. Neither man expected to see the other that morning.  Emotions of shame, guilt, fear, and embarrassment swept over Armando until suddenly he felt his hand being shook by Lucas. Turning to Paul and Jim who were walking with him, Lucas said, “I want you to meet my friend, Armando.” As the men walked on ahead, Armando looked down and quietly said, “You didn’t have to do that. I don’t know what to say.” Lucas had a great opportunity to share that while he couldn’t remove the legal situation, he himself had been the recipient of mercy and was glad to be able to extend such mercy that morning.

For today: While your situation may not be as startling as Lucas and Armando’s, how will God’s mercy play out in your life today?