There is on-going controversy in the U.S. over the right to bear arms. But in Garden City New York, a rifle-toting convenience store owner showed mercy to a would-be robber. Upon seeing the man collapse into tears and claim he was only committing the crime to support his starving family, the store owner, then provided the bat-yielding man with forty dollars and some food, and got a promise from the man that he would never steal again. Yes, I know, the man may have been lying, and just a good actor. But this was a rare and beautiful story which illustrates the fact that there is still some compassion left in this cold world. It clearly illustrates the wonderful grace of God, or undeserved favor. This “good Samaritan” withheld justice and gave mercy. The New Testament puts it this way,”… God, who is rich in mercy because of the great love with which He loved us.,.” Then we read, “by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Have you experienced this grace?

Pastor Alex Rockwell