We represent a merciful God
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Being merciful is not a natural behavior but a supernatural one! People have a tendency to defend and fight for number one and those associated with number one. The individuals who are willing to be givers of mercy instead of fighting for their own rights are peculiar people!
Being merciful is not an easy task in most cases, but we are called to be merciful as children of God. The Lord can use those opportunities of being merciful to minister and speak of God’s great mercies towards mankind. He can convict those who are harboring anger and un-forgiveness in their hearts. Mercy also has an affect in the atmosphere. It brings sweetness where there was bitterness. Mercy cuts off strife and brings the oil of gladness!
Although Joseph’s brothers deserved punishment and even death, he did not give them what they deserved. Joseph chose to look at the blessing that came out of their evil behavior and did not focus on their past wickedness. Out of his great love towards his family, he chose to be merciful and compassionate towards them. This was God’s heart operating through this young man representing his special relationship with a holy God thus glorifying the Father.
Sowing mercy will reap blessings
Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5: 7
God is the initiator of mercy in our lives. Once we have tasted the mercies of God, we know how great and awesome his mercies are. Then the Lord begins to show us that we need to live in mercy and operate in mercy as well. While the flesh desires greatly to get even, our spirit man has been designed to grow by being merciful. Jesus is telling us that if we want to live a blessed life, we need to develop a lifestyle of being merciful. This will keep us from hardened hearts and polluted minds. It will free our soul to live in peace with God and with man. God delights to shower the merciful with more mercy!
Sometimes it is hard to know how to hold on to God’s truth and be merciful at the same time. It is something that we have to grow into by studying how Jesus dealt with people’s sin and at the same time He was merciful towards them. He is the true authentic model who never compromised truth but was sincere in showing mercy where mercy was needed.
Do people consider you a merciful person?
Jesus is so merciful, we have to be so sensitive to the Holy Spirit to value and handle truth yet release mercy when We are led. Jesus works in real time and releases Mercy every morning and every day. I think as we actively seek Jesus He gives us discernment as We are patient
That’s true, Sometimes, it’s not clear how to administer mercy until the leads us through it every step of the way.
What does mercy look like, when you are trying to have mercy yet setting boundaries with young adults & correcting them in the midst of being angry. We forgive & want to love but when you’ve given chances & they keep crossing the line how can you be loving in showing correction?
Working with adult children is not an easy task and requires continual prayer that God would work on their hearts. We don’t have the control we used to with adult children. The Lord doesn’t change his boundaries with us but He is willing to work with us if we are willing. We forgive our young adults but it takes time for us
to trust them like we used to. We may have to start small and not give them all the previous privileges until we slowly rebuild trust with them. We need to see they
can be responsible and can show integrity over time. God bless you as you go through the journey.