Ever done something you knew was wrong, braced yourself for the consequences — and then received kindness instead? That's mercy. And every single one of us needs it desperately.

In this episode, we're exploring God's mercy — the aspect of his love that looks at our sin and says, "I could punish you, but I choose not to." We'll unpack what mercy actually is, how it's different from grace, why the cross is where God's justice and mercy meet, and how understanding it can free you from shame, transform your relationships, and change how you approach God every single day. If you've ever felt disqualified by something in your past, this episode is for you.

"The cross is where God said to his justice, 'Sin must be punished,' and to his mercy, 'But not on them.' Jesus took what we deserved so we could receive what we don't deserve."

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• The crucial difference between mercy and grace — not getting the bad we deserve vs. getting the good we don't
• Five aspects of God's mercy — including the stunning truth that his compassions are new every single morning
• Why the throne of heaven is called a throne of grace — not a throne of condemnation

Practical Applications:

• Let God's mercy free you from the prison of shame — the God who sees you fully has already chosen mercy
• Extend mercy to others because you've received mercy — forgiveness isn't optional for the forgiven
• Approach God daily without anxiety — you're not relating to a demanding boss, but a merciful Father

Your Assignment This Week: Do two things. First, think of one thing in your past that you still carry shame about — something you've confessed but haven't fully released. Bring it to God again, not to re-confess it, but to thank him that his mercy has already covered it. Let it go. Second, think of one person you need to extend mercy to — someone who has wronged you and doesn't deserve your forgiveness. Ask God to help you release them, because you've received mercy you didn't deserve either.

💬 Community Question: Is there something in your past that you've confessed but still carry shame about? What would it look like to truly believe that God's mercy has covered it? Sometimes naming our shame out loud can be the first step to releasing it. Your vulnerability might give someone else permission to let go of the shame they've been carrying too. Email us at Charlie@heychurchmedia.com or just hit the "Send us a text" link below!

We're building something important together in Season 2, and YOUR voice matters. Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode, and share this with someone who needs to hear that God's mercies are new every morning!

📖 Want to go deeper? Grab the Season 2 companion guide book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Nvi2fk

Send us Fan Mail

Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube. Follow our channel right HERE

Get The Books! Grab your copy of the Season 1 and Season 2 Companion Guides from Amazon.com...

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 1 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 2 Companion Guide

You can find ALL of Pastor Charlie's books on Amazon:

CLICK HERE to see Pastor Charlie's books

Thanks for listening to Everyday Theology In Plain English!