We’re thrilled to tell you that our newest (in)courage Bible study, Create in Me a Heart of Mercy, is available TODAY! Cue the confetti! This Bible study completes the set of Create in Me a Heart of… studies. It features the real-life, going-first kind of stories you love from our (in)courage writers, and an in-depth yet accessible Scripture study — like the excerpt we’re sharing below, written by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young. Read on for a taste of Create in Me a Heart of Mercy:
And on the Sabbath day, we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
Acts 16:13–15 (ESV)
Lydia’s story serves as an example of how the gospel was spreading to new areas and how God in His mercy calls people from all walks of life to build His kingdom. Paul is traveling throughout Macedonia, Achaia, and Asia at this point in his missionary journey. He meets Lydia down by the river in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia.
Lydia was a businesswoman from the city of Thyatira, which was in the Roman province of Lydda in Asia Minor, and was known for its production of purple dye and dyed goods. We learn from the text that Lydia was a “dealer in purple cloth,” a product that was extremely expensive and was purchased only by royalty and people of wealth. In other words, Lydia had connections and resources.
With careful reading, we learn that Lydia worships and fears God but doesn’t know the full picture of the gospel. The passage tells us that “the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul” (Acts 16:14). This detail shows the way God was actively working in this situation and how His mercy brings another daughter into His family. When Lydia hears Paul share the good news about Jesus—His death, resurrection, and forgiveness of sins — she becomes a true believer. In fact, she becomes the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe.
Let’s lean into the text to see what Lydia does after she makes a decision to believe in Jesus: “After she was baptized, and her household as well” (Acts 16:15). Immediately after believing in Jesus, Lydia decides to get baptized. (After all, they were down by the river, so why not?!) Lydia then proceeds to lead her entire household—including her servants and any family members old enough to comprehend — to believe in Jesus Christ and get baptized as well. God’s mercy extends not just to Lydia but to her entire clan.
After sharing her newfound belief with those closest to her, Lydia then uses her gift of hospitality and invites Paul to stay with her. Her home eventually becomes the base of operations for the church in Philippi. She is a prime example of a woman who uses her gifts of hospitality, leadership, and influence for God’s glory.
Hospitality at its basic level is the generous and gracious treatment of guests, and it’s one way we can show the kindness of God to others. I love hosting Bible study groups, my daughter’s track and field team, friends passing through town, our mom’s prayer group from school, and our church life group. Making them feel welcome and cared for allows me to pass on the mercy God has shown me.
Food is my love language, and nourishing people well at my table is a gift. Whether it’s cooking up an Italian meal using my mama’s manicotti recipe or grilling burgers and veggies, it’s important to me that food is abundant and people feel welcome. Through food, I can make people feel special and loved in the same way God reminds me that I’m wonderfully made and completely adored.
Although it often involves opening one’s home, hospitality doesn’t have to look a certain way. You don’t have to serve up fancy food or have a big house. You can take food on the road and bless people by delivering meals after they have a new baby or when they are sick or have buried a loved one. Hospitality is our opportunity to respond to God’s mercy by offering kindness and tender care to others.
Lydia opened her heart to the gospel and her whole family received God’s mercy. She in turn opened her home to the Philippi community, and many others had a space to form and grow in their faith.
Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” (NLT). Who can you extend hospitality to by inviting them into your home or out for a cup of coffee? Maybe God has given you a home that has a guest room or a bigger yard where you can host a Bible study. Perhaps hospitality looks like inviting someone to sit next to you in class or striking up a conversation with someone on the bus. Whatever it looks like for you, consider allowing God to open your heart through hospitality as His mercy overflows to those around you.
DEAR JESUS, I’m humbled by the way You extended mercy and hospitality to me through Your sacrifice on the cross. Thank You for welcoming me into Your family when I didn’t deserve it. I’m longing to show hospitality to others like Lydia did. Open my heart and the doors of opportunity. Amen.
by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, excerpted from the BRAND NEW Create in Me a Heart of Mercy Bible Study
The Create in Me a Heart of Mercy Bible Study is the fourth and final in our series of these studies, and it’s now available wherever books are sold! (You’ll love all four studies, but you don’t have to do them in any particular order! So feel free to jump right in with Heart of Mercy.)
And what would a launch day celebration be without a giveaway?!
To celebrate the release of Create in Me a Heart of Mercy, we’re giving away FIVE HUGE gift bundles!* Just leave a comment on this post telling us where you have seen mercy in your life recently and you’ll be entered to win a bundle that includes:
- A copy of EACH of the four Create in Me a Heart of… Bible Studies
- A CSB (in)courage Devotional Bible
- Ideas Scripture Journal with Comfort Promises
We’re thrilled that this Bible study is able to be in your hands. Get your copy and learn what God says about mercy. Sign up here and we’ll send you the first whole week of Create in Me a Heart of Mercy for FREE so you can start right away!
Let’s seek hearts of mercy — together. 
Join Becky Keife for a conversation with Dorina this weekend on the (in)courage podcast. AND stay tuned for details about our summer Online Bible Study featuring (you guessed it) Create in Me a Heart of Mercy. Don’t miss it!
I have seen great mercy through my coworkers. My extended family has had a lot of trauma lately (mental health breaks, big medical dx for someone who is only 23, and more) but when I shared with my coworkers at the school I work in we were covered in prayer and love. I have had numerous coworkers check in, ask for updates, and promises of prayer and words of encouragement. ❤️
Sarah, I love this example of mercy God provided through your coworkers. You are not alone, sister!
My daughter just got married. I am blind, and when Rebecca was getting ready for the wedding, I sat in and listened to all the ladies helping her with her dress and her makeup and her hair. Just a group of happy ladies talking and laughing and listening to happy music. After they’d spent an hour helping Rebecca with her hair and makeup, she came to me, plopped down on the floor in front of me, and asked if I wanted to check out her hair. I love her.
I love this example of tender mercy shown through your sweet daughter. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the opportunity to win this study! I receive mercy each day from my family and coworkers who are patient with me in all I do. Mostly though I receive mercy from God, who doesn’t give me what I deserve, but each day extends His tender mercies to me, new and fresh.
Indeed, Judy! I love how He showers us with mercy in so many ways!
I have a neighbor who is old enough to be my mother. Ever since I lost my husband she has called and checked on me and fed me and just made me feel very cared for.
What a gift! Thank you for sharing that story of multiplied mercy!
I have to add another example of God’s great mercy. As I looked out the window at the green grass, I am so grateful for the several inches of rain that we have received recently. We live in an area that has been in a severe drought, and those 3 inches of nice slow rain have been lifesaving to our pastureland. God is so good!
His mercy is even evident in Creation! I love that!
It took me a long time to forgive a family member that molested me. I sent him a text telling him I forgave him and didn’t understand why he did this but I couldn’t keep holding this hurt and pain any longer. I prayed about this for a long time. Then I recently went to my church’s women’s retreat and the theme was Press On. We need to focus on what’s ahead and leave the past in the past. The enemy wants us to look back and dwell on it. I’m pressing on my friends! Leaning into Jesus when it gets hard. Pressing on to good things. God let me have mercy on this person because it’s a process I needed to work on.
What a powerful act of mercy. Thank you for sharing your experience with mercy too! Mercy is a process!
I see God’s mercy every day on my journey of single parenting! Mercy when I am mentally exhausted, mercy when I blow it, mercy when I am at my wits end. I need God’s mercy every minute of my day!
We do need God’s mercy every minute! You are so right!
I saw great mercy from family, friends, my mom’s friends, & so many others after my mom passed in February of 2022. The last couple months of my life were very tough & painful for her; it was hard for me to watch her in so much pain & anguish. I was devastated after my mom’s passing & couldn’t imagine a life without her in it. Daily, I received cards from so many people with loving, encouraging words about my mom’s impact on so many lives over the years. I was able to learn new things about my mom from others that was very comforting to me.
Dear friends showed up with food so that I didn’t have to think about that as I was wallowing in my loss & anguish. They also shared their losses with me to remind me they understood what I was going through & let me share stories about my mom.
Also, my Bible Study group sent me loving text messages of love, support, & prayers reminding me that things would get better. All of the love & mercy I received helped me get up each day & keep going. I will never forget the mercy from others because there were many days I didn’t necessarily deserve it because I was angry & hurting. My people kept showing up no matter what; that’s love in action! I am so blessed.
What tender and beautiful acts of mercy! When my husband soared to heaven our community showed up in some similar ways and it meant so much to me. Their presence was a true gift!
Showing others love and sharing with them what you have, your home, food, conversation, time etc.. these are ways that we can extend love and show others the kindness of Jesus. His grace, love, mercy forgiveness as He works in and through us to win hearts for The Kingdom! love this!
Yes, I agree! So many ways!
We are looking for mercy each day as we struggle with my husband’s stroke recovery. Thank you for the opportunity to enter the contest to win books.
Nadine, my prayers are with you and your husband today! May the God of mercy meet you in surprising ways on the journey!
I never thought of it as mercy but when I was in college a Christian couple rented me a room in their home for a very low amount and provided meals and a family environment. Other people from the church often invited me for meals in their homes and to Bible studies and other gatherings. There was always food and caring discipleship. Coming from a difficult family situation, this really helped me see what a healthy family is. I will always be grateful to them and to the Lord for this mercy and tender care!
Recently, I found Mercy in a very unlikely place… At the dentist office. I’ve never had great teeth. Within weeks of getting my new front tooth as a child, I slipped on the brick patio and chipped it. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I had a decent front cap. Many of my teeth are crowned. Recently, a crown came loose on the back molar… I was so grateful that I didn’t break it by biting down on it or swallow it rather, I took it to the dentist office and he was able to glue it back on. The original tooth underneath looked discolored horribly. I was fearful that it was decay and elated. When the dentist said darkening under cap was normal. I praise God for his mercy that my tooth wouldn’t need to be totally removed. And I praise God for dentist. It’s amazing what they can do!
The Lord extends his mercy to me through my family, friends, and my mother’s extended church family. I am my mother’s primary caregiver, and it’s a lot. I am blessed to be able to do it, and I feel bad when I am a bit cranky or longing for my own time. My people seem to know when I need something uplifting and are always here to deliver.
Mercy is such a complex issue, so I’m excited to delve into it more with this Bible study. My life group at church is a great example of mercy. Most of us are in the middle of life – sick and dying parents, wayward kids, our own health problems, and so much more. I so appreciate that whether I have a big need (just had major surgery) or a small one (pray for my daughter’s cat to be found), these ladies surround me with prayer and encouragement and even practical things like meals and rides. This is in the middle of their own needs and crises. That’s true mercy and love right there!
I’ve witnessed great mercy in the eyes of Sophia, our 10 month old grandchild this past weekend as she laughed and baby babbled to our enjoyment as we played with her. In memory of Big brother Jaxson born asleep and in the arms of Jesus 2 years ago… we have been given comfort , assurance and reborn mercy through It all . THANK YOU Lord!!
I witnessed mercy today at the grocery. A single mom and her son were checking out. The cashier let the little boy enter some of the numbers into the register for the produce to be added. The little boy was so excited. As the mom and little boy left he told the cashier that he was so nice! No one in line minded that ringing up the mom’s groceries took longer because the little boy was helping. Everyone smiled and was amazed at the kindness of the cashier.
Hooray! I’m so glad this book baby is finally here!
I’m seeing God’s mercy in how He’s redeeming some difficult years for a loved one. God has brought her into a season of abundance we couldn’t have imagined after a season of heartbreaking loss. Thank You, Father of Mercy!
Hmm, where to start?! I have seen mercy in the Lord granting me the opportunity to write again. I am very wobbly and unsure of myself but it has been my dream to get back to it after a lot of different life happenings. Thank you for another opportunity to win!
I have seen mercy in the way my children and husband are able to join each other right where they are without any conditions. To appreciate the moments they get to spend together and take nothing for granted.
My older kids’ cards this Mother’s Day. They wrote from their heart and it blessed me tremendously. God’s mercy in a time of another pregnancy loss.
Thank you for the opportunity to win this “create in me a clean heart” gift bundle! 2022 was a very difficult year healthwise for me. I am truly receiving mercy from the Lord in 2023 as He is healing my body & making me new each and every day! HIS mercies ate new every morning! GREAT IS His faithfulness!
God has shown his mercy on me and through me. After my sister got sepsis for the second time in a year my husband and I moved her into our house to take care of her. It’s been a struggle and a blessing. It’s been over two years now and she has been ok. God has been good to us.
I’ve seen God’s mercy, over my life. He is so gracious and keeps pursuing us! He is greater than my mistakes.
I have seen mercy in the fact that God provides, even when my husband was really sick in the hospital and we have been able to pay our bills.
I can’t wait to start!
I have see God’s mercy many times in life, from allowing all my brothers and sister to be present when my Dad was dying, and when when my Mom was sick and dying to when we adopted children. He has given us so much!
I have been a recipient of God’s mercy through a dear woman who has offered to enter my small living space on a weekly basis to walk with me through a season of emotional turmoil. She has mercifully been a sounding board as well as sharing wisdom from her own experience and training as well as from the Word of God. Her presence in my life has been a source of spiritual and emotional blooming and resulting life!!!
God mercy in my life is never ending. Whether it’s in my marriage, parenting, friendships, work. He’s always there pulling me through the deep & dark to the brighter & better! This would be a great study for summer!
I have seen mercy in my health, in the health of my family members, in our finances, and in my relationships! God has been so merciful to me.
I have seen God’s mercy and the mercy of countless others as I mourn the loss of my mom. I was her primary caregiver and the days seem so empty without her. But I know God is with me and He will guide me through this valley. I hope to one day be the mercy to someone else in need.
Mercy In grace during prayers and asks being answered
Recently I have been feeling a gentle tug at my heart to show not only more mercy, but in ways I am unaccustomed to, which is a stretch for me. However, when I think about the abundant mercy Jesus has shown me, I can’t help but say, “Yes, Lord, please show me how.” Perhaps this study is what I need to get me started.
Mercy in some terrible health challenges for my oldest daughter in finally having a doctor that is able to do the tricky brain surgery she will need to get better.
Last week a coworker sent me an unkind and aggressive email. I’ve spent the last 5 days praying about how I should respond. While sitting at my desk today, I read this email about showing kindness to my neighbor. It’s easy to be ugly in return; it’s harder to act with God’s love and grace. I am happy to say that I responded with kindness and did as He would want by treating my neighbor with respect even though I did not feel respected.
Thanks for sharing Dorina how food and hospitality are ways we can show God’s mercy to others. I am thankful for an international student who showed me mercy and surprised me with flowers on Mother’s Day. She expressed how my kindness towards her meant a lot because she doesn’t have family here in the U.S. I didn’t think I did that much, but perhaps even those small acts of mercy, like inviting people into your home, can have a greater impact than we think.
His mercies are renewed every day in our lives!
Thank you Lord✝️
I have been extended mercy through my co-workers. My dad was recently diagnosed with rectal cancer and they have filled in for me allowing me to be at his doctors’ appointments! It’s been such a blessing to me!
I have experienced mercy in my marriage. The first 9 years of marriage my husband was living a double life, but 12 years ago he came clean and never looked back to his old life, only by the grace of God he was able to come clean and I was able to forgive. This year we will be celebrating 21 years married. All the glory to God
I recently asked a favor of a friend, which turned out to be an inconvenience to her. She graciously did not let me know how my request affected her. When I apologized she still didn’t explain some of the details of her side of the issue. Later I realized how uncomfortable she was. What a kindness toward me!
Hymn : “At Calvary” Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died
On Calvary.
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty,
At Calvary.
Roman Road to Salvation Romans 3:23
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:1
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ…” Romans 10:9
“…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved…”
In a world looking for solutions to the brokenness of human sin, the gospel declares that Jesus is the answer.
Thank you Anna Rendell and Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young!!
The Lord shows me mercy every single day! I struggle with fibromyalgia and He sees me through moment by moment, and gives me hope!
Dorina,
Sounds like a great study. Mercy is something we don’t often think about. Jesus gave us mercy when He died our deaths on the cross. He took our sins on Himself, suffered & died a horrible death. Now we can extend mercy to others. Simply praying their sufferings, delivering meals, lending a hand in any project, or simply taking time to converse with them. That is what mercy looks like. This country needs more of it!
Blessings 🙂
I’m loving the sound of this study!!!
I lost brother Jun 2021, Sister Aug 2021, my mom Jan 2022. Overwhelmed does not come close. The love/mercy God sent me through others has been so encouraging, strengthening as I walk this journey out. I have been shown what we are called to show/be and that I will do!
Love (in) courage. That is what having to do every day right now!
Excited to read this one!