How should you respond when someone sins against you, especially another apprentice of Jesus? When the pain runs deep, the hurt is real and all you want to do is write them off, where do you find the strength to pursue restoration and extend forgiveness? In Matthew 18, we learn that mercy is the atmosphere of the kingdom of heaven – the air we breathe – and the mercy we’ve received gives us the strength to pursue restoration and extend forgiveness. Mercy is the ongoing response of those who have truly received it. Will we keep breathing it in and giving it away?

Aren’t you tired of measuring yourself against others? We step into a room and consciously or unconsciously ask, “Where do I rank? How do I measure up?” In Matthew 18:1–14, Jesus takes a child - the least influential and impressive person in his society - and makes them a picture of true greatness in the kingdom of heaven. Instead of trying to measure up, become like a child. Instead of being consumed with status, take seriously how your life affects others. And when a follower of Jesus goes off- course, don’t ever write them off – go after them!

We place a lot of hope in our freedom—we love the ability to make our own choices, shape our own lives, and live on our own terms. But what happens when following Jesus calls us to give that freedom up? In Matthew 17:22-27, Jesus shows us a freedom that doesn't cling to our rights, but is joyful enough to lay them down for the sake of others. Ultimately, the freedom Christ offers is greater than the freedom we're so afraid to lose.