"And do not forget to do good and to share with others for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (Hebrews 13:16)

Our acts of mercy are a fifth form of worship that we can bring to God as a sacrifice. Our good works are a sign, not THE sign, of our love for God. Service isn’t a pastime; it’s a passion.

"This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." (James 1:27) Like Jesus, James sees worship not in terms of external law, but as an expression of inner, active goodness. Remember, "What is done for them is done to Him. Their need is His need; their cry, His." (S.D. Gordon, Following the Christ)

When Christ comes to live in us, He brings those things which flow naturally from God - sympathy, grace, kindness, charity, love, and mercy. No person, fully possessed by Christ can avoid showing these qualities.

"The sprit of true worship is not inward or selfish; it is not for our own gain, but it is outward, self-sacrificing, for the sake of others, and for the sake of Jesus." (From our church newsletter) God is measuring my life by whether I lay down my life for my friends. (Glyn Evans, Daily with the King) 1 John 3:16 tells us, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."

Are you showing those qualities of mercy to those around you? Does worship flow from your life as an unselfish expression of love toward others? I must admit that compassion and tenderness are not the greatest qualities of my character. Join me in making mercy a new expression of worship for the Lord.

Tomorrow I will conclude our look at "The Sacrifice of Worship" with the topic of evangelism as worship.