You Are Worthy Because of His Mercy!

"He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy." — Titus 3:5

When you were born into the world, you were so excited about the gift of life.  To live in a new world was amazing.  You don't know how you got here to planet earth, but you didn't question it. You didn't work for it.  You didn't earn it. You were simply happy to be alive.

The same is true with our new life in Christ.  Like being born, it is a gift from God. This time, we receive it by faith in Christ. Unfortunately, people often think, "I don't deserve to be blessed." "I don't deserve to be happy." "I don't deserve to be favored."  You may think you've made too many mistakes; that you're just not good enough; or that you come from the wrong side of the tracks. 

The Bible says, "He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy" (Titus 3:5).  Therefore, we are worthy because of his mercy!

It doesn't matter what you've done; how you feel; or where you are from.  Jesus paid the price for our sins and cleansed us.  He gave us "a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:6).  All you need to do is receive it.

God's Mercy to Saul

The Bible tells us the story of Saul who was an enemy of the Christian church. He devoted himself to trying to destroy the church. He persecuted Christians and even murdered believers in Christ. But Jesus saw beyond his faults!  He went after Saul to make him a child of God.  He called to Saul as he traveled on the road to Damascus and said, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?"  Saul replied, "Who are you, lord?"  The Lord replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!  Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9:4-6).

God forgave Saul and gave him a new name: Paul. From that moment onward, he no longer persecuted the church but helped to grow the church.  In fact, he became the church's most famous apostle. God turned his life around, promoted him, and gave him a position of influence.  His life was far from easy, but it was indeed blessed.

How You Can Accept God's Mercy

God is willing to forgive anything and everything when we turn toward him.  If anyone had an excuse to feel unworthy, it was Paul. But he said, "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us" (Philippians 3:13-14). Essentially he was saying, I know I'm worthy. I know I'm forgiven; I'm looking forward to the future.

You don't have to feel unworthy either.  Overcoming that feeling may be a process, but you can start by saying aloud, "Lord, I accept your forgiveness and mercy! I receive your promotion! Use me for your glory!" Amen.