Article by Dr. Les Hollon, Pastor, St. Matthews Baptist Church

To do whatever it takes, begins with whoever it takes us to be.  Jesus lays this truth out clear and simple in the Beatitudes.  As we trust Him with all of whom we are, we become more capable to be trustworthy with all God wants to give us.

Mercy is God’s opportunity for us to have new opportunities in life and for us to extend new opportunities to others on God’s behalf.  God’s mercy is grace at work.

God knows our life story and He knows that in order for us to be people who overcome, people who move from tragedy to triumph, we must be people who can also recover from sin.  Therefore, God connects us with a love that on His part will not let go.  

In Hebrew this love is called “hessed” (often translated steadfast love, loving-kindness, and mercy).  In the New Testament it is called grace and mercy.  This love is built inside our souls and tethers us.  When we have sinned, this love motivates our conscience, to: feel remorse, repent, and be renewed.

God doesn’t want us to visit the dark side and if we go there, He doesn’t want us to stay there.

Recovery through repentance from sin is the way out.  This good news applies to all sins, adultery is not excluded.  Broken trust can be restored.  An afflicted husband and wife may have to do sweaty work for years to get through the pain … however by entrusting their vows to God it is possible again “to love and to cherish … for better or for worse,” and go forward.

We are all sinners.  Believers are sinners saved by God’s mercy and grace.  The work I do as pastor includes helping people who are caught in sin by showing them that there is a better way to live, and to begin living that way. Our life is determined by the choices we make.

Pastor Les Hollon

“Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.”
-William Cowper, “Light Shining out of Darkness”

This article was written by Les Hollon, Pastor of St. Matthews Baptist Church.  For more information about God’s mercy and new beginnings, St. Matthews Baptist Church, or to contact Dr. Hollon, click over to St. Matthews Baptist Church.

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