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But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

Ephesians 2:4-5 

I was six years old and should have known better. 

My older brother and I were visiting my grandparents. We were alone in the TV room enjoying the brand new leather sofa and chair that my grandfather had just bought for my grandmother. On the table next to the chair was a letter opener that looked like a dagger. My mind raced as I wrapped my little hand around the handle and stabbed at the air. 

My brother found this funny, and to my demise, whenever he found anything I did funny, I upped the ante. So, I started stabbing the arm of that brand new leather chair … repeatedly. (I’ll pause until you stop shaking your head at me.)

My brother liked this. Maybe he knew it would end in my destruction. 

When my mom discovered what I had done, I thought it was surely the end of Christopher Kent Hahn. BUT …. I had a merciful grandmother who swooped me up, held me away from my justice-seeking mother, and refused to release me until my mom agreed not to murder me—or punish me at all. I still remember the words, “I’m his mom,” to which my grandmother said, “And I’m your mom! He’s not being punished!”

Thankfully my merciful grandmother won, and I survived—even though I deserved severe punishment for my offense. 

Our God is a loving and merciful Father. There is no offense too great for Jesus to cover. In his rich mercy, He will always swoop us up and hold us away from the punishment–seeking accuser. Just as in my grandmother’s arms I found mercy driven by love, in our Father’s arms, we find mercy driven by love. Because He loves us, He forgives us. We do not get what we deserve if we surrender to His arms of love and receive His mercy.

Next Steps

• Are you resisting the arms of mercy because of the shame of your despicable acts? Rest easy my friend and surrender to the mercy of your Father who has already taken care of your punishment. 

• Can we pray with you? Click HERE and we’ll pray for you today.