Dear New Life,

I don't know about you, but I've found myself surprisingly challenged by our Mercy series so far. In week 1, it was Kyle's call out against the contempt that we harbor in our heart and rarely ever think about. In week 2, it was Nik's call out against our sense of entitlement.

I say surprising because, as I think about these areas in my life, I honestly thought I was doing better. To use Nik's analogy, it's a bit like I'm looking at myself in the mirror and finding new spots of leprosy I didn't know were there.

My first response to that can be fear or disappointment, but I realize that the power of God's mercy is that it is truly undeserved. It is the grace of God that allows us to see just how much we all still need him. How much I still need him.

I pray that as you look in your own mirror, God may graciously point out to you what He longs to heal. Rather than grief, may this bring you joy, because we worship a God who brings mercy.

Joel VanderSchel, on Behalf of the Elder and Minister Team