For August 18, 2026
Beyond The Impossible by Greg Holmes, D.MIN – Director of Missions serving 17 churches
THE QUALITY OF MERCY as an attribute within human nature is one that lessens rapidly when there is little basis for trust in a given relationship. It diminishes even more quickly when a relationship has been strained by lack of care, and exponentially more so when injury is perceived, and forgiveness becomes the primary aspect that is required for restoration of the connection that once existed. But none of these descriptives are applicable to the circumstances that Jesus is speaking of here: “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them.” (Luke 6:27-32)