Frederickson Blog

“If that’s what Jesus looks like, I don’t want any part of it.” This is what some non–church-going Americans seem to be saying about the church, according to a recent study by the Barna Group. In this study that focused on the church’s reputation, religious “nones” (people who do not associate with any particular church) said that while they like Jesus and His message, they mainly view the people in the church as “hypocritical” and “judgmental” (https://www.barna.com/research/openness-to-jesus/).

Perhaps what’s most disappointing in these results is that God's people aren't seen as reflecting the incredible mercy of God that is spoken of throughout the Bible:

For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting
And His faithfulness is to all generations. (Psalm 100:5, NASB)

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
   his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV)

Not only is God full of mercy, but it is by His mercy and grace that we are saved: 

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5, NIV) 

Finally, the mercy that we receive is to act, to the world, as a display of God’s mercy: 

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16, NIV) 

Displaying God’s mercy to the world is the reason why I am excited that through October we will be seeking God while gazing on His mercy. Our students will learn that everyone is in need of God’s mercy (Romans 3:23). They will hear stories about the God of mercy who pursues people like Jonah (Jonah 3:10), Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-26). Finally, our students will learn that through Jesus we can experience God’s mercy for ourselves. 

My hope and prayer is that as we seek God this month, our families, communities, and the rest of the world that lives around us would see God’s mercy on display in our lives. 

Family discussion questions:

1. In what way has God shown you mercy in your life? 
2. What is the most difficult thing about showing mercy to others? 
3. Say a prayer together asking God to help you show the same mercy He has shown you.