Care Enough to Spend Whatever It Takes

Current Teaching Series The Miracle of Mercy

Care Enough to Spend Whatever It Takes By Rick Warren — Apr 21, 2017 “Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring” (Isaiah 58:10-11 NLT, second edition). Demonstrating mercy begins with seeing the need, sympathizing with others’ pain, and taking action. The Good Samaritan modeled all of that behavior when he reached out to care for the injured man. But there’s a critical fourth step to showing mercy that he also demonstrated. You have to spend whatever it takes. There’s always a cost to kindness and a sacrifice in service. Showing mercy usually requires a sacrifice of time, energy, money, or even your reputation. For example, the Samaritan took the injured man to a hotel. He likely had to walk a great distance, because he put the man on his donkey. He took care of him through the night, he provided for his needs, and then he even paid the bill — all at his own personal expense. He didn’t just call the authorities. He did all he could to help. And what did he have to gain from his service? Nothing. He just did it out of love. And that’s the kind of service and ministry God wants from us. Mercy will cost you, too. It’ll cost you time, money, or potentially relationships. Mercy that doesn’t cost much isn’t worth much. But God promises that when you help hurting people by giving what you have, he will bless you in return. The Bible says, “Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring” (Isaiah 58:10-11 NLT, second edition). In other words, whatever cost you pay to demonstrate mercy, it’ll be worth it. You can count on that. Talk It Over Talk about an example of someone who demonstrated compassion and what it cost that person. When you consider helping someone, what is the cost to yourself that most concerns you? PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Our Gift: The Miracle of Mercy Study Kit Experience more mercy in your life! There’s a reason God talks about mercy so much in the Bible – because it’s one of the most important character traits He wants to develop in us! That’s why Pastor Rick Warren put together his brand-new The Miracle of Mercy DVD study kit. In its six lessons, you’ll learn how mercy can help you… • Forgive those who’ve hurt you • Heal your own hurts • Mend broken relationships • Be more patient with difficult people • Cultivate a servant’s heart LEARN MORE

Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes six full length teaching CD's from Pastor Rick's series The Miracle of Mercy. LEARN MORE

Series Summary Message 1: ​​Easter Means It's a New Day of Mercy Message 2: God Can Use Anybody Message 3: God's Mercy and My Failures ​Message 4: How Much You Matter to God Message 5: Showing Mercy to Your Family Message 6: Being an Agent of Mercy in the World PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at pastorrick.com. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered a​round the world. This devotional © 2017 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe