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What Will You Do With God’s Kindness to You?

Sunday, September 13

John 5:5-9 (NIV)


“One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath,”

Devotion

The man by the pool felt defeated. Jesus saw, Jesus asked, Jesus helped. This was mercy. The man didn’t deserve help just because he’d been in that condition a long time and didn’t have the support he thought he needed. In fact, he was still a sinful man. How do we know that? Later, Jesus approached him and said, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you” (verse 14). This was also mercy, giving the man a chance to correct his course and avoid future consequences.


Praise God for His mercy! Jesus showed the same merciful character shown to the people of Israel after their Exodus from Egypt. Like the man by the pool, Israel did not know that it was the Almighty who was healing them and moving not only to provide food but also to deliver them from a heavy burden (Hosea 11:3–4).


We ought not let the kindness of God pass us by. Many of us have experienced answers to prayer, large and small. Perhaps you can see now how Jesus helped you in the past, even before you knew Him. This recognition should inspire a heart of gratitude and praise, as well as a holy life, just as Jesus warned the man by the pool.


In Romans 2, it is confirmed that God’s kindness is intended to lead us to turn from our sins (Romans 2:4), and that this kindness has been given to us richly, much more than a little. Especially as those who declare the gospel of Jesus Christ, we need to take care not to do the same things we warn against, like the religious people of Jesus’ day. If we are stubborn and unrepentant, we are guilty of despising the riches of His kindness and are storing up judgment for ourselves (Romans 2:5–8).

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,


Thank You for Your abundant kindness and mercy. Help me never to take Your goodness for granted. Open my eyes to recognize the ways You have helped and provided for me, even when I did not realize it was You. Let Your kindness lead me to repentance, gratitude, and a life of obedience. Help me walk in the freedom You have given me and honor You with the way I live. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

God’s kindness calls for a response. Consider one area of your life where God has shown you mercy or given you a second chance. Instead of returning to old patterns, choose today to walk in gratitude, obedience, and the newness He has given you.

Resources
  • Discover what God wants to remove from your life so you can walk in freedom, purpose, and victory. Watch this powerful message today! No More Flies.
  • Worship with us this morning! Join us at 9 & 11 AM for powerful worship, a life-changing word, and a special baby dedication ceremony. Find a Free Chapel campus near you or worship with us online. Come ready to encounter God and be encouraged!