Most Christians say they believe in God’s mercy. Fewer actually live as if it does something.
In this Night Watch episode, we cut through the two most common distortions of mercy: treating it as weakness, or shrinking it into sentimentality. Mercy does not erase truth, lower the bar, or pretend sin doesn’t matter. It restores the sinner without rewriting reality—and it does so at the cost of the Cross.
This episode walks through Scripture, Ignatian spiritual insight, and practical spiritual combat to address one of the devil’s most reliable tactics: tempting us to sin, then keeping us trapped in shame long after forgiveness has been given.
If you struggle with recurring guilt, despair over past sins, or the quiet suspicion that God’s mercy hasn’t really taken effect in your life—this episode is for you.
Night Watch is slower, reflective, and intentional. This isn’t noise. It’s vigilance.
Key Highlights
Mercy is not permission—it’s power
Shame is not humility; it’s often a tactic
God restores without rewriting the truth
The Cross is where justice and mercy meet
Forgiveness heals, even when scars remain
Despair blocks grace; acceptance releases it
Conversion is required—but perfection is not
Night Watch is a an edition of the Fire Branded podcast. It’ll be part of the Stoking the Embers podcast line going forward.
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