May Theme – Mercy & Compassion
Verse for the Month: Luke 6:36
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
This Week’s Theme: Uncderstanding Mercy
Monday (5/5): The Character of a Merciful God
Scripture: Exodus 34:6-7
6 Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in faithfulness and truth; 7 who keeps faithfulness for thousands, who forgives wrongdoing, violation of His Law, and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, inflicting the punishment of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.
Devotional Thought:
Mercy is not just something God occasionally offers—it is woven into the fabric of His very being. In Exodus 34:6, God describes Himself with words that reveal His deepest character: compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, overflowing with love and faithfulness. This isn’t a one-time display; it’s His consistent posture toward His people. Even before we recognize our need, God’s mercy is already moving toward us. We often think of mercy as something that appears only after we’ve messed up—as a kind of spiritual bandage for our failures—but in truth, mercy is the way God relates to us every single day. His patience holds back the judgment we deserve, and His compassion provides blessings we haven’t earned.
Mercy is not weakness or leniency; it is the powerful, deliberate choice of God to love and forgive in ways that transform. It’s the steady, tender heart of a God who knows our frailty yet leans in with grace. Time and again in Scripture, we see mercy as both protective and restorative—it shields us from destruction and also invites us into new life. Jesus’ ministry was soaked in mercy, from healing the sick to forgiving the sinner, showing us that mercy is the heartbeat of God’s kingdom. And because we are recipients of this mercy, we are called to reflect it—to move toward others with the same compassion, patience, and grace that have been lavished on us.
Action Steps:
• Reflect on times when you experienced God’s mercy before you even asked for it.
• Write down one characteristic of God you want to embody this week.
• Share a story of God’s mercy with someone today.
Biblical Testimony:
Jonah’s story is a powerful reflection of God’s mercy in action. Though Jonah tried to escape God’s call, running in the opposite direction, God’s mercy relentlessly pursued him—even into the depths of the sea. After Jonah was swallowed by the great fish and cried out in repentance, God graciously rescued him. It wasn’t because Jonah had proven himself worthy, but because mercy is central to God’s nature. This part of the story reminds us that no matter how far we run or how badly we fail, God’s mercy continues to reach for us, offering restoration and a second chance.
But the story doesn’t end with Jonah. The people of Nineveh, known for their violence and sinfulness, heard God’s warning and responded with repentance. Instead of bringing destruction, God chose to show mercy and spare them, which deeply frustrated Jonah. His anger revealed how human mercy is often limited and tied to our sense of justice or fairness, while God’s mercy is vast, surprising, and freely given. This story challenges us to see that God’s grace is not bound by our expectations or prejudices—it extends to all people, offering hope and redemption even to those we might consider unworthy.
Prayer for the Day:
Merciful God, thank You for revealing Your heart to us. Shape me to reflect Your compassion and grace. May I show others the mercy that You have so freely given to me. Amen.
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Tuesday (5/6): Jesus as the Model of Compassion
Scripture: Matthew 14:14
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”
Devotional Thought:
Jesus didn’t just see needs—He moved toward them. Compassion, for Him, wasn’t a fleeting feeling but a driving force that led to action. Again and again, when others might have turned away or grown weary, Jesus leaned in. His mercy was tangible: healing the sick, feeding the hungry, comforting the brokenhearted, and restoring dignity to those pushed aside. For Jesus, compassion meant stepping into the mess and meeting people where they were.
The Gospels are full of these moments. One striking example is when Jesus crossed the lake seeking rest and retreat, only to be met by a crowd in need. Rather than turning them away, His heart was stirred with compassion. His mercy wasn’t passive or conditional; it was a deep commitment to act, even when it meant personal sacrifice. Compassion for Jesus wasn’t about timing or convenience—it was about love that moves toward pain and does something about it.
Jesus’ example calls us to the same kind of mercy. True compassion asks us to notice the needs around us and respond, even when it interrupts our plans or stretches us beyond comfort. It’s a love that chooses to act—whether that’s offering a listening ear, extending practical help, or simply showing up when others step back. Through Him, we see that mercy has hands and feet—and it changes lives.
Action Steps:
• Notice one person today who may feel unseen. Offer a word of kindness or a listening ear.
• Reflect: Do I respond with compassion or criticism when faced with someone else’s mess?
Biblical Testimony:
The woman caught in adultery (John 8) stood on the verge of public condemnation. Dragged into the temple courts by religious leaders, she was exposed, humiliated, and made an example of. According to the law, her sin warranted death by stoning, and the crowd gathered, stones in hand, ready to carry out the sentence. But Jesus stepped in—not to dismiss the seriousness of sin, but to reveal a mercy far greater than anyone expected. His response turned the entire moment upside down.
Rather than joining the chorus of condemnation, Jesus knelt and wrote in the dust, inviting the accusers to examine their own hearts: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one, they dropped their stones and walked away, until only Jesus and the woman remained. His words to her were both merciful and transformative: “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” Jesus’ mercy wasn’t a free pass—it was an invitation to a new way of living, one rooted in grace, not shame.
This encounter beautifully reveals the depth of Jesus’ compassionate heart. He didn’t ignore sin, but He refused to let condemnation have the final word. His mercy lifts us when we are at our lowest, offering hope where there was once only despair. Through this story, we see that Jesus meets us in our brokenness with grace that doesn’t just forgive—it transforms, calling us forward into freedom and restoration.
Prayer for the Day:
Jesus, teach me to see people the way You see them. Give me a heart that is moved by compassion and a willingness to act in love. Amen.
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Wednesday (5/7): Forgiveness as an Act of Mercy
Scripture: Matthew 18:21-22
“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
Devotional Thought:
Mercy and forgiveness are deeply intertwined. It’s never easy to release someone from the debt they owe us, especially when the wounds cut deep and the hurt lingers. Yet forgiveness is not about minimizing the pain we’ve experienced—it’s about maximizing grace. Jesus calls us to forgive as freely and completely as He has forgiven us, offering mercy that goes beyond what feels natural or fair.
Peter’s question to Jesus—“How many times should I forgive?”—reveals our human instinct to put limits on mercy. We want boundaries, a stopping point where we can say, “Enough.” But Jesus breaks down those walls with His reply, showing that mercy isn’t meant to be measured or rationed. God’s mercy toward us is endless, and we are invited to mirror that same generosity of spirit. Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending the hurt didn’t happen or forgetting the offense—it means choosing to release resentment and entrusting justice to God.
When we forgive, we step into the divine work of healing and reconciliation. Even when scars remain, forgiveness frees us from the weight of bitterness and opens the door for restoration—both in our own hearts and in our relationships. It’s one of the purest expressions of mercy, allowing us to reflect God’s endless grace in tangible, transformative ways.
Action Steps:
• Is there someone you need to forgive? Begin by praying for them today.
• Write a letter (even if you never send it) to express your release of that hurt.
Biblical Testimony:
JStephen, known as the first Christian martyr, left behind a powerful legacy of mercy and grace. In Acts 7, we read the account of his bold witness for Christ, which ultimately led to his death by stoning. What stands out most in his final moments is not just his courage, but his compassion. As stones rained down upon him, Stephen didn’t cry out for justice or vengeance. Instead, he prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). His words echo the very heart of Jesus, who prayed a similar prayer of forgiveness from the cross.
Stephen’s mercy in that moment was radical and deeply countercultural. He had every reason, humanly speaking, to respond with anger or bitterness toward those taking his life. But Stephen’s eyes were fixed on Jesus, and his heart was shaped by Christ’s example of self-giving love. His prayer was not a sign of weakness or resignation—it was a display of incredible spiritual strength. By choosing mercy over retaliation, Stephen bore witness to a kingdom where forgiveness triumphs over hatred, and grace shatters the cycle of violence.
His example challenges us today in profound ways. Mercy is easy to talk about but often difficult to practice, especially when we are wronged or wounded. Yet Stephen shows us that mercy is not contingent on circumstances; it’s a reflection of Christ living within us. When we extend forgiveness—especially when it feels undeserved—we participate in something greater than ourselves. We reflect the transforming power of the Gospel, offering light in even the darkest moments.
Prayer for the Day:
Father, help me forgive not out of obligation but from a heart shaped by Your mercy. Heal what hurts and release what holds me. Amen.
Thursday (5/8): The Blessing of Showing Mercy
Scripture: Matthew 5:3-10
“3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Devotional Thought:
Mercy is not just a command—it’s a blessing. When we live with open hands and open hearts, God’s mercy flows through us and back to us, creating a beautiful cycle of grace. Mercy isn’t simply about what we give to others; it’s about how God works in and through us, transforming our hearts along the way. While justice is essential, mercy often goes a step further—it builds bridges where justice alone might erect walls, fostering reconciliation and healing in ways that legalism cannot.
We often view mercy as something that benefits the person receiving it, but Jesus turns that idea upside down. Mercy blesses both the giver and the receiver. When we extend forgiveness, offer patience, or perform acts of kindness, we step into God’s divine rhythm—a rhythm where grace multiplies and hearts are softened. Mercy releases others from the weight of shame and guilt, but it also frees us from the chains of judgment, anger, and bitterness that can harden our own hearts.
Jesus promises that those who show mercy will experience mercy in return—not as a reward to be earned, but as a natural outflow of living within God’s grace. Mercy deepens our relationships, fosters peace, and creates ripples of healing that extend far beyond what we can see. When we practice mercy, we not only change the lives of others, we find ourselves changed too—drawn deeper into the heart of God, where compassion and grace abound.
Action Steps:
• Look for one small way to show mercy today—perhaps in your words, your patience, or your generosity.
• Thank God for the people who’ve shown you mercy in your life.
Biblical Testimony:
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10) didn’t have to stop. He was on his own journey, with his own plans and responsibilities. Yet when he saw the wounded man by the side of the road, mercy stirred his heart. While others had passed by, ignoring the man’s pain, the Samaritan chose to see and respond.
This act of mercy was not convenient or easy. The Samaritan crossed cultural and social barriers—helping someone who, by all accounts, would have been considered an enemy. He bandaged the man’s wounds, put him on his own donkey, and paid for his care. His kindness was costly, requiring both time and resources, but he didn’t hesitate. Mercy, we see, often asks us to move beyond what is comfortable or expected.
Jesus’ story reminds us that true mercy is active and sacrificial. It blesses not only the person receiving help but also transforms the heart of the giver. The Good Samaritan shows us what it means to love our neighbor fully—seeing need, stopping to care, and stepping in with compassion, no matter the cost.
Prayer for the Day:
Lord, thank You for the mercy You have shown me. Let me be quick to offer mercy to others, even when it’s difficult. Make my life a reflection of Your grace. Amen.
Friday (5/9): Love in Action: Meeting Needs
Scripture: Galatians 6:1-3
1 “Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks that he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Devotional Thought:
Mercy isn’t only about what we say—it’s about what we do. Carrying each other’s burdens goes beyond offering sympathy; it’s an intentional choice to step into someone else’s struggle. Whether we share a meal, give a ride, offer a listening ear, or spend time with someone in need, these small yet powerful acts of compassion reflect the heart of Jesus and fulfill His command to love one another deeply.
True mercy is love in action. Galatians 6:2 calls us to bear one another’s burdens—not from a distance, but as friends and fellow travelers willing to share the weight. This kind of mercy moves past words into hands-on care. It’s about meeting real needs—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—with humility and grace. When we do this, we become living witnesses of Christ’s love in practical, tangible ways.
Carrying burdens isn’t always easy or convenient. It requires showing up, staying present, and sometimes getting our hands dirty in life’s messiness. But in doing so, we embody the law of Christ: a love that is steadfast, sacrificial, and transformative. Through mercy, we not only lift others up—we become part of God’s redemptive work in the world
Action Steps:
• Ask: Who in my life is carrying a heavy burden? How can I help shoulder it this week?
• Consider donating time, resources, or encouragement to someone in need.
Biblical Testimony:
In Acts 2, we see a powerful picture of mercy lived out in community. The early church didn’t just talk about love—they demonstrated it through action. They sold their possessions and shared freely so that everyone’s needs were met. No one was left out or left behind because compassion was at the heart of their fellowship.
This generosity wasn’t something they did out of obligation; it flowed naturally from hearts transformed by God’s grace. Their willingness to give showed a deep understanding that everything they had belonged to God and was meant to bless others. Mercy became a daily practice, shaping not just individual lives but the entire community.
The impact was undeniable. The way they cared for one another became a powerful witness to the world around them. Their mercy made the church not only compassionate but compelling, drawing others to faith through their radical, selfless love. It’s a reminder that when mercy fuels our community, it becomes a testimony in itself.
Prayer for the Day:
God, don’t let me walk past the needs around me. Teach me to love not just in word but in deed. Help me be someone who lightens the load for others. Amen.
Saturday & Sunday (4/26-27): Time to Reflect, Act, Worship & Pray
This Weeks’s Scriptures:
Luke 6:36
Exodus 34:6–7
Jonah 1–4
Matthew 14:14
John 8:1–11
Matthew 18:21–22
Acts 7:54–60
Luke 23:34
Matthew 5:3–10
Luke 10:25–37
Galatians 6:1–3
Acts 2:42–47
Time to Reflect:
Mercy is not just something God does—it’s who He is. From His self-description in Exodus 34 to the relentless grace shown to Jonah and Nineveh, we see a God whose mercy reaches deeper than our failures and extends further than we expect. Jesus, the embodiment of that mercy, constantly moved toward people’s pain, healing the sick, defending the shamed, and offering forgiveness to the undeserving. His mercy was never passive; it was love in action, a choice to step into brokenness and bring restoration. Whether through forgiveness or acts of compassion, His example shows us that mercy is not about overlooking sin or hardship but about meeting people in their need and offering grace that transforms.
As followers of Christ, we are invited to reflect that same mercy in our own lives. The Good Samaritan, Stephen’s forgiveness, and the radical generosity of the early church remind us that mercy often asks us to go beyond what feels comfortable or fair. It costs us time, energy, and pride, but it blesses both the receiver and the giver. Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:7—“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy”—reveal that mercy is both a calling and a gift. When we step into the rhythm of God’s mercy, we not only bring healing to others but also experience the deep joy and freedom that come from living out the heart of God.
Time to Act
• Reach out to someone who may need encouragement, forgiveness, or practical help.
• Make a list of merciful acts you can do this month—big or small.
• Commit to forgiving someone who has hurt you—even if it’s just in your heart to start.
• Choose one person in your life to show unexpected kindness to this week. Let it be a reflection of the mercy God has shown you.
Time to Worship:
Take time, listen, and reflect on the lyrics of “Mercy” by Elevation Worship. A great reminder that God’s mercy is not earned—it’s freely given
“I’m living proof
Of what the mercy of God can do
If You knew me then
You’d believe me now
He turned my whole life upside down
Took the old and He made it new
That’s just what the mercy of God can do”
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Dante Bowe / Jason Ingram / Steven Furtick
Mercy lyrics © Bethel Music Publishing, Essential Music Publishing
Watch the lyric video for “Mercy” by Elevation Worship
https://youtu.be/jBPnz1v45lY?si=igTCCkB0oqoGhaFW
Weekend Prayer:
Thank You for showing me mercy that never runs out. Your compassion carries me through every weakness, every failure, and every moment I fall short. Jesus, You are my example—full of grace and truth. Shape my heart to reflect Yours. Help me walk in mercy this week—slow to judge, quick to forgive, eager to serve. Teach me to carry others’ burdens, speak gently, and act in love. May my life echo the mercy I have received. In Jesus’ name, Amen.