Theme For David Jeremiah Devotional August 18 2020 – Mercy Extended, Mercy Received
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Matthew 6:14
Recommended Reading: Mark 11:25-26
It was John Calvin who said, “A happy life depends on a good conscience.” And another unknown sage once declared that a good conscience is like a “soft pillow”—the key to a peaceful night’s sleep. It is no wonder that a good conscience is so highly valued; “good conscience” appears six times in the New Testament as something to be maintained.
One of the ways we maintain a good conscience is by settling things quickly between ourselves and others. As long as matters are unsettled—as long as we withhold mercy and forgiveness toward others—things cannot be settled between us and God. Regardless of who is at fault, whether ourselves or another, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). Whether someone has something against us or we have something against another, we should settle the matter quickly (Matthew 5:23-26; 18:15). When we extend mercy to others, God continues to extend mercy to us.
Are there matters to be settled between you and another? Take steps to make things right today. Then look forward to a “soft pillow” tonight.
Peace of conscience is nothing but the echo of pardoning mercy.
William Gurnall
Credit For David Jeremiah Devotional August 18 2020 – David Jeremiah Ministries / davidjeremiah.org