When you show compassion toward someone when you could have punished them for the wrong thing they have done, you have exercised mercy.
The promise in Matthew 5:7 is this, ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.’ (NIV) Imagine being shown compassion by God during times when you mess up. Here is the guarantee, so long as you yourself are extending mercy to others.
There may be one or more people in your life right now who would test the patience of a Saint. They may even expect to receive your wrath for their actions. When people mess up, they often get into a cycle of self-destructive behaviour, thinking they are worthless, with no way out. That’s when we help. Why not extend mercy, mix it with some prayer and deliver it with grace; then see what God can do with the outcome? You’ll be blessed.
Quote
Mercy protects us from what we often deserve.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for mercy. Help me become a conveyor of mercy. Amen.
Action Point
If there is someone, you could extend mercy to, then do it. If not, wait a few days, the opportunity to express mercy will never be far away.
Copyright notices
(NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Use in other publications. You can use all of this devotional when including this credit. Copyright © Carl Brettle. Subscribe for free via www.faithlift.org
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