As a joint heir with Christ—as His disciple—we have the privilege of releasing His mercy to those around us. As the God-given authority of our children, we also have the responsibility of releasing mercy to them. So, what does mercy look like? How about forgiveness, the release from judgment, and believing the best about another? How about brushing them off and reminding them of what has been done for them so that they might do the same?

“So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you.” John 13:14-15

None of us—even adults—are without blemish in ourselves. The only thing that makes any of us without blemish is the shed blood of Jesus. Therefore, it is actually unproductive to spend time finding fault with another, especially our growing children. It is even more unproductive to spend time meditating on or talking about the faults of another. That is focusing on the problem—sin—and not the solution, and this leads to hopelessness. If the only way to receive mercy for our faults (and the grace to overcome them) was to go and search them all out and focus on them—both intentional and unintentional—we would all be without the mercy and grace of God right now. This is why we are saved even before the process of transformation begins. Perhaps, even what you perceive as a fault, might actually be a gift.

“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete…” 1 Corinthians 13:12

The shed blood of Jesus enabled us to be free from the sin-focused mindset so that we might have the Kingdom mindset. The Kingdom mindset is focused on the Redeemer, and the restoration that He brings to His creation. The beauty is, we get to partner with Him if we choose to. That is the fullest expression of having truly received God’s mercy for ourselves. Let us repent and believe the Good News—we have been shown mercy and been made spotless by the blood of Jesus. Receive that mercy today and embark on the journey of becoming like Him by giving it away!