In Homer’s famous epic poem The Odyssey, he tells how Odysseus finally returns home to his wife and homeland to find men devouring his food and wooing his wife for marriage.

Odysseus, his son, and two faithful friends set a terrifying attack upon the looting intruders. One of the looters named Phemios, the singer, suddenly realizes that all hope is gone. He could not match Odysseus were an army of 20 men at his side, and so he does the only thing he knows he can do: runs to Odysseus, falls to his feet, grabs Odysseus’ knees, and cries out, “Spare me, Odysseus, I pray! Have mercy upon me!”

Why did Phemios live? What was his life spared? He realized his incapability to win, and he believed in the mercy of his enemy. And so it is with you. As long as you try in your power to perfect your obedience by your deeds, you will live with a burden of guilt on your soul darker than death itself. But when you realize that you cannot please God by your efforts, and when you embrace the mercy and grace of God through His Son Jesus Christ, then you can start like a new man or a new woman, living for His glory by His strength and His mercy.