Walking in God's Love: A Transformative Journey Through Faith and Obedience

Introduction

Beloved child of God, as we embark on this spiritual journey together, let us open our hearts to the transformative power of God’s love. In the following pages, we’ll explore the depths of His grace, the beauty of our union with Christ, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. May these words serve as a beacon of hope, a source of encouragement, and a reminder of our Heavenly Father's incredible love for each of us.

Reflective Questions:

1. As you begin this devotional journey, what are your expectations? How do you hope to grow spiritually?

2. In what areas of your life do you most need to experience God’s transformative love?

3. How open are you to allowing God to work in your life through this devotional experience?

   
   

1. Salvation: The Ultimate Free Gift

In a world that often demands payment for every service and product, the concept of a genuinely free gift can seem foreign. Yet, this is precisely what God offers us in salvation - a profound and life-changing gift that defies human logic.

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” - Ephesians 2:8-9

Beloved, let these words sink deep into your soul. Your salvation is not something you’ve earned through good deeds or religious observances. It’s not a reward for your moral behavior or charitable acts. In its purest form, it is a gift - freely given, lovingly offered, and eternally secure.

This gift of salvation comes from the very heart of God, motivated by His unfathomable love for us. The apostle John beautifully captures this truth:

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16

Reflect on the magnitude of this gift. God, in His infinite wisdom and boundless love, chose to offer us salvation through the sacrifice of His own Son. This gift is not just for a select few, but for “everyone who believes.” It’s a gift that transcends our human categories and distinctions, offered freely to all who would receive it.

Moreover, this gift of salvation cannot be lost or taken away. We are eternally secure in His love once we’ve accepted Christ as our Savior. The apostle Paul assures us:

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” - Romans 8:38

What comfort these words bring! Our salvation is not dependent on our performance or our ability to maintain it. It’s grounded in the unchanging nature of God’s love and the finished work of Christ on the cross.

As you meditate on this truth, allow it to free you from the burden of trying to earn God’s favor. Instead, let it fill you with gratitude and joy. The gift of salvation is yours, dear one - embrace it, cherish it, and let it transform your life.

Reflective Questions:

1. How has your understanding of salvation as a free gift changed over time?

2. In what ways have you tried to “earn” God’s favor in the past? How does the concept of grace challenge this mindset?

3. Reflect on a moment when you felt overwhelmed by God’s grace. How did it impact your relationship with Him?

4. How can you share the message of God’s free gift of salvation with someone this week?

   
   

2. Union with Christ: A Profound Reality

Having received the gift of salvation, we enter into a profound spiritual reality - our union with Christ. This concept goes beyond mere association or allegiance; it speaks of a deep, mystical connection that fundamentally changes who we are.

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20

Beloved, pause and let the weight of these words settle in your spirit. When you accepted Christ, something miraculous happened. With all its sins, failures, and shortcomings, your old self was crucified with Christ. In its place, a new life emerged - Christ’s life in you.

This union with Christ is not just a theological concept; it’s a living reality that transforms every aspect of our existence. It means that we now share in Christ’s death and resurrection. The apostle Paul elaborates on this in his letter to the Romans:

“We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.” - Romans 6:6-7

Through our union with Christ, we have been set free from the power of sin. This doesn’t mean we’ll never struggle with temptation, but it does mean that sin no longer has dominion over us. We have been given the power to overcome, not through our own strength, but through the life of Christ within us.

But our union with Christ doesn’t stop at His death - we also share in His resurrection life:

“And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” - Romans 6:4b

This new life is not just a future hope, but a present reality. Because of our union with Christ, we have access to His resurrection power right now. This power enables us to live in a way that pleases God, to overcome obstacles, and to fulfill our divine purpose.

Moreover, our union with Christ gives us a new identity. We are no longer defined by our past mistakes, our current struggles, or the labels the world might place on us. Instead, we are defined by our relationship with Christ:

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Dear friend, carry this deep truth with you all day: you are in Christ, and He resides within you. Allow this understanding to influence your thoughts, direct your actions, and enrich your relationships. You are not facing your challenges on your own – the life of Christ is within you, enabling you to extend His love and grace to others.

Reflective Questions:

1. What does it mean to you personally to be “in Christ”? How does this truth affect your daily life?

2. In what areas of your life do you struggle to live out your new identity in Christ?

3. How has your understanding of being “crucified with Christ” evolved? What aspects of your old self do you still need to surrender?

4. What practical steps can you take this week to live more fully in your union with Christ?

   
   

3. Receiving the Holy Spirit: Our Divine Helper

As we embrace our salvation and our union with Christ, we encounter another incredible aspect of God’s gift to us - the Holy Spirit. When we accept Christ, we don’t just receive forgiveness and a new identity; we receive the very presence of God within us through His Holy Spirit.

“And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.” - Ephesians 1:13b

The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or a distant power. He is a Person of the Trinity, sent to dwell within us, to guide us, comfort us, and empower us in our daily lives. Jesus Himself promised the coming of the Holy Spirit:

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” - John 14:26

Beloved, take a moment to marvel at this truth. The same Spirit that hovered over the waters at creation, that empowered the prophets of old, and that raised Christ from the dead now lives within you! This is not a truth to be taken lightly, but one that should fill us with awe and gratitude.

The Holy Spirit plays many roles in our lives. He is our teacher, helping us to understand God’s truth:

“But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.” - 1 John 2:27

He is our comforter, providing solace in times of trouble:

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.” - John 14:16

And He is our source of power, enabling us to live the Christian life:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 1:8

As we grow in our relationship with the Holy Spirit, we begin to see His fruit manifested in our lives:

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” - Galatians 5:22-23

These qualities are not something we can produce through our own efforts. They are the natural outworking of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. As we yield to His influence and allow Him to work in us, we find ourselves becoming more like Christ.

Beloved, I encourage you to cultivate a deep awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life. Invite Him into your daily decisions, your struggles, your joys, and your sorrows. Learn to recognize His gentle promptings and to follow His guidance. As you do, you’ll find yourself growing in spiritual maturity and experiencing the abundant life that Christ promised.

Reflective Questions:

1. How aware are you of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your daily life? Can you recall a recent instance where you felt His guidance?

2. What barriers might be preventing you from fully experiencing the Holy Spirit’s power in your life?

3. How has the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) been manifesting in your life recently? Which aspect do you feel needs more development?

4. In what specific area of your life do you need to invite the Holy Spirit’s help and guidance this week?

   
   

4. The Command to Love: Reflecting God’s Heart

As we bask in the reality of God’s free gift of salvation, our union with Christ, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, we are called to respond to this incredible love in a specific way - by loving others.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” - John 13:34

This command to love is not a burdensome obligation, but a natural outflow of the love we have received from God. The apostle John beautifully expresses this truth:

“We love each other because he loved us first.” - 1 John 4:19

Beloved, let this sink deep into your heart. Our capacity to love others doesn’t originate from our own goodness or effort. It flows from the boundless love that God has poured into our hearts. We love because we have been loved with an everlasting, unconditional love.

But what does this love look like in practice? The apostle Paul gives us a vivid description:

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

This kind of love goes far beyond mere feelings or emotions. Treating others with kindness, patience, and respect is a deliberate choice, even when it’s difficult. It’s a commitment to seek the good of others, to forgive freely, and to persevere in relationships even when faced with challenges.

Moreover, this love is not limited to those who are easy to love or those who love us in return. Jesus calls us to a radical, all-encompassing love:

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” - Luke 6:27-28

This kind of love is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us. It’s a love that reflects the very nature of God Himself:

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” - Romans 5:8

As we grow in our understanding of God’s love for us, we become more capable of extending that love to others. We begin to see others through God’s eyes - as valuable, worthy of love, and in need of grace.

Beloved, I encourage you to make love your highest aim. In every interaction, in every relationship, seek to embody the love of Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh with God’s love and to help you pour that love out on others. As you do, you’ll find yourself growing more into the image of Christ and becoming a powerful witness of God’s transformative love for the world around you.

Reflective Questions:

1. How has your understanding of God’s love deepened through your personal experiences?

2. In what relationships or situations do you find it most challenging to love as Christ loves? Why do you think this is?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced unconditional love. How did it impact your ability to love others?

4. What practical steps can you take this week to show Christ-like love to someone who is difficult to love?

   
   

5. Forgiveness: The Path to Freedom

In our journey of love, we inevitably encounter times when forgiveness is essential. Just as God has forgiven us, we are urged to extend that forgiveness to others. This aspect of our faith journey can be challenging yet liberating, leading us toward true freedom.

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” - Colossians 3:13

Beloved, these words may seem daunting, especially when we’ve been deeply hurt. But remember, forgiveness is not about denying the pain or pretending it never happened. It’s about releasing the offender from the debt they owe us and freeing ourselves from the burden of bitterness and resentment.

Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiveness in His teachings:

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” - Matthew 6:14-15

These words underscore the intimate connection between receiving God’s forgiveness and extending forgiveness to others. As we grasp the magnitude of God’s forgiveness towards us, we find the strength to forgive others, even when it’s difficult.

Peter once asked Jesus about the limits of forgiveness:

“Then Peter came to him and asked, ‘Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ ‘No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven!’” - Matthew 18:21-22

Jesus’ response indicates that there should be no limit to our forgiveness. Just as God’s forgiveness towards us is boundless, our forgiveness towards others should know no bounds.

But how do we forgive when the hurt runs deep? How do we release those who have caused us pain? The key lies in recognizing our own need for forgiveness and drawing on the strength of the Holy Spirit:

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” - Ephesians 4:31-32

Forgiveness is a journey that often takes time and repeated decisions to let go of the offender. It does not imply forgetting or necessarily reconciling, particularly in cases of abuse. Instead, it involves choosing to relinquish the desire for revenge and wishing well for the other person.

As we practice forgiveness, we find that it brings healing not just to our relationships, but to our own hearts. Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. When we forgive, we free ourselves from the toxic effects of bitterness and resentment.

My dear friend, I urge you to reflect on your heart today. Are there individuals you need to forgive? Are you clinging to past wounds? Present these matters to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him for the vision to view these people through His loving eyes and for the strength to let go of resentment. In doing so, you will discover a deeper sense of freedom and peace, embodying the forgiveness you have received in Christ.

Reflective Questions:

1. How has your understanding of forgiveness evolved throughout your spiritual journey?

2. Is there someone in your life you’re struggling to forgive? What makes it difficult?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s forgiveness. How can this experience help you extend forgiveness to others?

4. What steps can you take this week to begin the process of forgiving someone who has hurt you?

   
   

6. Growth in the Spirit: A Journey of Transformation

By walking in love and embracing forgiveness, we begin an incredible journey of spiritual growth. This evolution isn't about achieving perfection through willpower alone; rather, it involves allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our lives.

“So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” - 2 Corinthians 3:18

My dear, this verse illustrates a gradual and continuous transformation. When we spend time in God’s presence and permit the Holy Spirit to work within us, we are steadily transformed into the likeness of Christ. This journey, commonly known as sanctification, is a lifelong commitment to becoming more like Jesus.

One of the beautiful aspects of this growth is that as we mature in our relationship with the Holy Spirit, we find ourselves sinning less. This is not because we’ve become perfect or immune to temptation, but because we’re learning to walk in step with the Spirit:

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” - Galatians 5:16

By following the Spirit’s guidance, we gradually shift from sinful behaviors to godly ones. This transformation isn’t instantaneous, and the journey can be challenging. We may face struggles and setbacks along the way. However, as we continually decide to heed the Spirit’s lead, we will observe genuine change in our lives over time.

This growth in the Spirit also involves a deepening understanding of God’s word:

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

We gain wisdom and discernment as we study Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate its truths. We begin to see the world through God’s eyes and understand His will for our lives more clearly.

Moreover, this growth is not just for our own benefit. As we mature in the Spirit, we become better equipped to serve others and to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives:

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” - Ephesians 2:10

Beloved, I encourage you to embrace this journey of growth in the Spirit. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or slow progress. Remember, growth often happens in small, almost imperceptible increments. Trust that the Holy Spirit is working in you, even when you can’t see it.

Cultivate practices that nurture your spiritual growth: regular prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship with other believers. Be open to the Spirit’s promptings and willing to step out in obedience, even when it’s challenging. As you do, you’ll find yourself growing in ways you never thought possible, becoming a clearer reflection of Christ’s love for the world around you.

Reflective Questions:

1. In what areas of your spiritual life have you seen the most growth recently? What contributed to this growth?

2. What spiritual disciplines or practices have been most effective in helping you grow closer to God?

3. Where do you feel stuck in your spiritual growth? What might be hindering your progress?

4. How can you create more space in your daily life for the Holy Spirit to work in you this coming week?

   
   

7. Righteousness through the Holy Spirit: God’s Strength, Not Ours

As we grow in the Spirit, we come to a profound realization: our righteousness is not a result of our own efforts, but a gift from God, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This truth liberates us from the exhausting pursuit of self-righteousness and allows us to rest in God’s transforming work in our lives.

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” - 2 Corinthians 5:21

Beloved, let this truth sink deep into your heart. Your righteousness is not something you’ve achieved through good behavior or religious observance. It’s a gift, given to you through Christ’s sacrifice and made real in your life through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The apostle Paul, who had once prided himself on his religious achievements, came to understand this truth:

“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” - Philippians 3:7-9

This shift in understanding - from self-righteousness to Christ-righteousness - is transformative. It frees us from the burden of trying to earn God’s favor and allows us to live in the joy of His acceptance.

But this doesn’t mean we become passive in our pursuit of holiness. Instead, we learn to rely on the Holy Spirit’s strength to live righteously:

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” - Philippians 2:13

The Holy Spirit not only gives us the power to live righteously but also shapes our desires so that we want to please God. This is the beautiful synergy of God’s grace and our cooperation - He provides the desire and the power, and we choose to yield to His work in our lives.

As we grow in this understanding, we find ourselves living not out of obligation or fear, but out of love and gratitude:

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.” - Titus 2:11-13

Beloved, I encourage you to rest in this truth today. Your righteousness is not dependent on your performance, but on Christ’s finished work and the ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life. Don't wallow in guilt or shame when you fail (and we all do). Instead, quickly confess your sin, receive God’s forgiveness, and allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen you to walk in righteousness.

Remember, God is not surprised by your struggles or disappointed in your weaknesses. He knows you intimately and loves you completely. His desire is to conform you to the image of Christ, and He is faithfully working towards that end, even when you can’t see it.

As you go through your day, practice dependency on the Holy Spirit. In moments of temptation or weakness, call out to Him for strength. In times of decision, seek His guidance. As you do, you’ll find yourself growing in righteousness, not through your own efforts, but through the mighty power of God at work within you.

Reflective Questions:

1. How has your understanding of righteousness changed as you’ve grown in your faith?

2. In what areas of your life do you still struggle with trying to achieve righteousness through your own efforts?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s strength in your weakness. How did it change your perspective?

4. What area of your life do you need to surrender to the Holy Spirit’s transforming power this week?

   
   

8. Obedience over Success: Aligning with God’s Will

As we near the end of our devotional journey, we come to a crucial understanding that often challenges our worldly perspectives: the call to prioritize obedience to God over worldly success. This principle invites us to redefine our notion of success and to align our lives with God’s will, regardless of the outcomes as perceived by the world.

“And Samuel said, ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.’” - 1 Samuel 15:22

Beloved, these words spoken by the prophet Samuel to King Saul resonate through the ages, reminding us that God values our obedience more than our achievements or religious rituals. This truth challenges us to shift our focus from outward success to inward alignment with God’s will.

Jesus Himself modeled this principle of obedience over success:

“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” - Luke 22:42

In His darkest hour, facing the cross, Jesus chose obedience to the Father’s will over His own comfort or success as the world might define it. His obedience led to the greatest victory - our salvation - though it appeared as failure in the eyes of the world.

This principle of obedience over success doesn’t mean that God doesn’t want us to succeed or achieve great things. Instead, it means that our primary goal should be to please God and fulfill His purpose for our lives, regardless of how it may appear to others:

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” - Matthew 6:33

By prioritizing obedience to God, we frequently discover that genuine success—defined by Him—ensues. Although this success may not resemble earthly wealth or renown, it consistently results in personal growth, a stronger relationship with God, and a beneficial influence on those around us.

The apostle Paul, who gave up a promising career as a Pharisee to follow Christ, understood this principle well:

“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” - Philippians 3:7-8a

Paul found that knowing Christ and obeying His call was far more valuable than any worldly success he could have achieved.

Beloved, I encourage you to embrace this principle of obedience over success in your own life. This might mean:

1. Choosing integrity over profit in your business dealings

2. Prioritizing your family over career advancement

3. Serving in a humble ministry role rather than seeking recognition

4. Speaking truth in love, even when it’s unpopular

5. Forgiving someone who has wronged you, even when it feels unjust

   
   

As you make these choices, remember that obedience to God often requires faith. We may not always see the immediate results of our obedience, but we can trust that God is working all things together for our good:

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” - Romans 8:28

Moreover, our obedience is not about earning God’s love or favor - we already have that in Christ. Instead, it’s a response to His love, a way of aligning our lives with His perfect will and experiencing the joy and peace that come from walking in harmony with our Creator.

As you go through your day, I encourage you to seek God’s will in every decision, big or small. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you the strength to choose obedience, even when it’s difficult. Remember, in God’s economy, a life of faithful obedience is the truest measure of success.

Reflective Questions:

1. How do you define success in your spiritual life? How does this align with God’s definition of success?

2. Reflect on a time when choosing obedience to God conflicted with worldly success. What did you learn from this experience?

3. In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to prioritize obedience to God?

4. What specific step of obedience is God calling you to take this week, regardless of the outcome?

   
   

Conclusion

Beloved child of God, as we conclude this devotional journey, I pray that these truths have taken root in your heart. May the reflective questions continue to guide your thoughts and actions, deepening your relationship with God and transforming you more into the image of Christ:

1. Your salvation is a free gift, secured by Christ’s sacrifice and eternally preserved by His love.

2. You are in union with Christ, sharing in His death and resurrection life.

3. The Holy Spirit dwells within you, empowering and guiding you in your daily walk.

4. You are called to love others as Christ has loved you, reflecting God’s heart to the world.

5. Forgiveness is a path to freedom, both for yourself and others.

6. Growth in the Spirit is a lifelong journey of transformation into Christ’s image.

7. Your righteousness comes not from your own efforts, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.

8. Obedience to God’s will is the true measure of success in His kingdom.

   
   

As you meditate on these truths, may they transform your thinking, shape your actions, and deepen your relationship with God. Remember, you are deeply loved, entirely accepted, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that glorifies God and blesses others.

Final Reflective Questions:

1. Looking back on this devotional journey, what key insights or truths have impacted you the most?

2. How has your understanding of God’s love and your identity in Christ been strengthened or changed?

3. What specific areas of your life do you feel God calling you to surrender or change as a result of this devotional?

4. How can you continue to apply these truths in your daily life moving forward?

   
   

Remember, you are deeply loved, entirely accepted, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that glorifies God and blesses others. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, God's love, and the Holy Spirit's fellowship be with you always.

With every ounce of love, grace, and mercy that our Savior bestows upon us,

~Bruce Mitchell