Today's Daily Encounter Thursday, October 31, 2024

Today's Daily Encounter Thursday, October 31, 2024

God's Patience and Mercy

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.1

Just as a child must learn to obey, God's children must also learn to walk in His ways. He is pleased to see us do the right thing and wants to help us when we mess up.

Paul appreciated God's patience, and his life demonstrated that. Because the Heavenly Father is slow to anger, unbelievers have a much greater chance of salvation (1 Timothy 1:16). In Romans 2:4, Paul affirms that God's goodness and mercy lead us to repentance. But in the next verse, he warns the stubborn-hearted that they will be judged.

Let's look at the people of Israel. In the Old Testament, they experienced this painful truth over and over again. They turned away from the Lord and did evil in His sight by worshipping idols. Finally, He withdrew His protection until they cried out and turned to Him. Ultimately, even when the Lord allows calamity to overtake His children, it is still imbued with His love and purpose.

If there is unconfessed sin in your life, ask God for help to turn away from evil. Then thank Him for His patience and mercy.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience and mercy. I want to be obedient and do Your will, not because I have to be, but because I love You and want to please You. Lord, I want to grow closer to You every day, to be a reflection of Your love for others. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

1.    1 Timothy 1:12-14 (NTV).

 

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.

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