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One of the fastest ways to become disappointed in life is to begin dwelling on all the good things you think you deserve that you haven't yet received. It's very possible that you believe you deserve a raise at work, a word of praise, to be married if you aren't or to have a better marriage if you are, for your kids to shine like angels, for your bank account to be filled to overflowing, and the check engine light to never come on in your car. But none of these things have been promised to us.

I believe that when we look at what Scripture teaches us, we're shown that when we have Jesus, we truly do have what we need most in this world. We need Him more than we need perfect earthy circumstances. We need Him more than we need the treasures of this earth. We need His mercy more than we need the momentary approval of our peers.

So we can go through life disappointed that we didn't get some of the things that we thought we deserved, or we can be grateful for the mercy of Christ which is a blessing He offers to us that we definitely didn't deserve. And if we can learn to become grateful for Christ's mercy, we'll start to view ourselves and others through that lens. As recipients of mercy, we show mercy. As those who didn't receive the condemnation we deserved, we can also choose not to condemn others but rather bless them in Jesus' name.

In Proverbs 25, I see at least three ways we can live this out. In view of the mercy of Christ, we can honor those who lead us, humble ourselves, and bless our enemies. Each action requires an application of Christ-centered mercy.

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