Sun and Shade

It’s been very hot lately, far hotter than the average June temperatures we’ve come to expect year after year. It makes one really appreciate the shade when you can find it.

Sun and shade are interesting word partners. When it’s hot, the shade provides refreshment. It makes you feel all that much cooler, so you can catch your breath from the heat. But when it’s cold, the shade is not where you want to be. You want to be in the sun so you can draw in as much heat as possible. Each word is appreciated when the other is not.

Grace and mercy are interesting word partners, too. Grace is unmerited favor. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Because of sin, we deserve punishment; but through God’s grace (undeserved favor), we get His mercy. Both go hand in hand to show us God’s love.

God wants to extend His grace and mercy to you, in good weather and bad. Don’t get stuck in the heat of the sun. Grab the shade of grace God extends to you so you can appreciate His mercy.