As followers of Jesus, we all have a rescue story. Paul says God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of His dear Son. It’s not “might be rescued” or “will be rescued.” It’s done. In the Greek, “rescued” means “snatched to oneself,” like a parent pulling a child out of the path of an oncoming car. God did that for us through Jesus. We weren’t just saved from something; we were saved to something. We’ve been moved into a new kingdom with new values, new culture, and new ways of living, and the Holy Spirit is helping us learn how to life in this new life.

In our “Shake It Off” series, we’ve been talking about living in a world where people can be incredibly offensive and also easily offended. So, we’re asking God to search our hearts and show us what we need to shake off so we can live in a God-honoring way. A big part of that is forgiveness: the vertical forgiveness we receive from God, and the horizontal forgiveness we extend to others. Jesus made the connection clear in His parable about the man forgiven of a massive debt who refused to forgive a much smaller one. His point: we owed God far more than anyone will ever owe us, and since God showed us mercy, we’re called to show mercy too.

Forgiveness requires perspective and mercy. Mercy isn’t just a feeling; it’s love in action. It’s being patient with people who are different, learning their background, seeing beneath the surface, and accepting them the way Christ accepted us. Mercy shakes things off instead of holding them over someone’s head. It forgives faults the way God forgave ours. Mercy also acts—helping those in need, doing good even to enemies, returning kindness for criticism. It shifts the playing field and reflects the heart of Jesus. And Scripture says clearly: the mercy we give is connected to the mercy we receive.

To become merciful, we must first experience God’s mercy ourselves. Many struggle to forgive because they don’t feel forgiven. Jesus paid the full penalty for every sin we’ve ever committed, are committing, and ever will commit. When we accept Jesus, we walk in mercy, grace, and get a clean slate. From there, we strive to be more patient, start seeing people through the eyes of Jesus, and learn to be more caring and forgiving. So, who in your life needs mercy? Who needs forgiveness or a reprieve? Shake it off! Let God’s mercy flow through you. May our church be a place where it’s safe to be different, where people are patient with one another, and where forgiveness is freely given— because it doesn’t matter-where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re heading!

Scriptures – Colossians 1:13-14 (CEV); Matthew 18:21-22 (MSG), 32-33 (NLT); Psalm 145:8 (NLT); 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NLT); Romans 15:7 (NCV); Colossians 3:13 (NLT); 1 John 3:17-18 (NCV); Luke 6:33, 35 (NIV); James 2:13 (NLT); Proverbs 11:17 (GNT)

Verses – God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son, who forgives our sins and set us free. (Co 1:13-14)

Discussion – When you think about God “snatching you out of harm’s way,” what part of your own rescue story stands out the most? Why do you think it’s easier to accept God’s vertical forgiveness than to extend horizontal forgiveness to others? In Jesus’ parable, why is perspective—comparing the “millions” to the “thousands”—so important for understanding forgiveness? Who in your life needs mercy or forgiveness from you right now, and what would it look like for you to “shake it off” and respond like Jesus.

Prayer – Lord, thank You for rescuing me, forgiving me, and bringing me into the kingdom of Your Son. Help me remember the mercy You’ve shown me so I can extend that same mercy to others. Heal my heart, soften my attitudes, and teach me to shake off anger, offense, and resentment. Fill me with Your Spirit so I can live with patience, compassion, and grace. Make me a person who forgives freely, loves deeply, and reflects Jesus in everything I do. Amen.