Game Night
Choose your favorite game. It can be almost any game that can be played inside or out. Before beginning, give each player a 3x5 card or a piece of paper and explain that this is their "Mercy" card. You may choose to write the word "Mercy" on each card or paper or download and print these cards.
Directions
Play the game as usual; however, explain that the "Mercy" cards must be played during the course of the game. "Mercy" is given in order to save a player from a penalty he/she deserves. A player cannot win the game until his/her "Mercy" card is played.
How to play the "Mercy" card:
When a player makes a bad move or looses an important round, another player may give him/her their "Mercy" card. Upon receiving the "Mercy" card the players "bad move" is wiped out.
For Example: When playing "Monopoly," a player may land on 'Park Place' owing thousands of dollars in rent. The owner of 'Park Place' could give the "Mercy" card and the rent would be wiped clean for that turn.
Talk about it:
Mercy is when someone doesn't make you suffer the consequences you deserve.
- How did it feel to receive a Mercy card?
- How did it feel to give a Mercy card?
- Why would someone want to give Mercy?
- Why would someone not want to give Mercy?
When Jesus paid for our sins on the cross He showed us what real mercy looks like. Many thought he had "lost the game" because his enemies killed Him. However, He knew that when He gave up His life for us He really won the "game." He made a way for us to have a relationship with Him.
Keep your "Mercy" card this week and look for an opportunity to use it. Someone may hurt your feelings or disappoint you. Someone may take advantage of you or ruin your plans. Someone may not do what they're supposed to do and you have to bear the consequences. Ask God to help you show them mercy. Write it on your Mercy card and we will share it with each other during the week.
Alternate
For other "hands on" activities, see Bonus Activities for God is Merciful.
"God extended His mercy to us even before we were born, and before we acknowledged our need for His forgiveness. Without our Lord's sacrifice on the cross, we could not have a relationship with God. Now because of Christ's willingness to die in our place, we can have a deep intimacy with the God who loves us unconditionally."
- Bill Bright, Discover God