9. How often do the mercies of the Lord come to us sinners and how should we respond to such love and care? Lamentations 3:22-23.
NOTE: ‘“Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.” Have any of us duly considered how much we have to be thankful for? Do we remember that the mercies of the Lord are new every morning and that His faithfulness faileth not? Do we acknowledge our dependence upon Him and express gratitude for all His favours? On the contrary, we too often forget that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.” How often those who are in health forget the wonderful mercies that are continued to them day by day, year after year. They render no tribute of praise to God for all His benefits. But when sickness comes, God is remembered. The strong desire for recovery leads to earnest prayer, and this is right. God is our refuge in sickness as in health. But many do not leave their cases with Him; they encourage weakness and disease by worrying about themselves. If they would cease repining and rise above depression and gloom, their recovery would be more sure. They should remember with gratitude how long they enjoyed the blessing of health; and should this precious boon be restored to them, they should not forget that they are under renewed obligations to their Creator. When the ten lepers were healed, only one returned to find Jesus and give Him glory. Let us not be like the unthinking nine, whose hearts were untouched by the mercy of God.’ Testimonies, volume 5, page 315.
10. What story did Jesus tell to show that those who receive mercy should be merciful to others? Matthew 18:23-28.
NOTE: ‘While we must depend so entirely upon the mercy of a sin-pardoning Saviour, shall our hearts remain hard and unsympathising? Can any provocation authorise unkind feelings, or should it cause us to harbour resentment or seek revenge? Can we cast the first stone in condemnation of a brother, when God is extending His mercy to us, and forgiving our trespasses against Him? Should God enter into judgement with us, our debt would be found to be immense, yet our heavenly Father forgives the debt. Men will be dealt with by God, not according to their opinion of themselves, not according to their self-confidence, but according to the spirit they reveal toward their erring brethren. We are not forgiven because we forgive, but as we forgive.’ The Home Missionary, January 1, 1892.