Be Merciful

Being merciful can be one of the hardest traits to master, especially towards those who hurt you.

So the question is how do we become merciful?

The first step is to humbly look at ourselves and all the times we have fallen short and think about the numerous times God has shown us mercy. It's a stark reality to face isn't? But God shows us when we forgive those who trespass against us, he is also forgiving our sins as well.

Matthew 5:7

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

How would you define mercy? Does it mean you are gracious, patient, forgiving? How about being softhearted or compassionate? Have you mastered these traits or do you find yourself struggling with them? If so, which ones? If I were to guess I would say patience and forgiveness would be the top two we all struggle with, wouldn't you agree?

Psalms 103:8-12 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

The Bible gives us numerous verses and examples of how Jesus was merciful towards those who were not deserving of it. Look at the examples in John chapter 8 especially vs 7 "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her". Take a look at the disciples Jesus chose, they were not without sin. What a great example of what God can do with us and through us if we follow his example.

James 2:12-13

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

Why are we so quick to judge others and to point out their sins but not our own? It's a humbling question isn't it? I hope you will take time to ponder this question and to really seek what the answer is for yourself. Matthew 7:1-5 is another great example of this. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

Friends I hope this message reaches each of our hearts, mine included. We need to become more merciful with those around us. If you struggle with this I encourage you to seek Gods wisdom and set these reminders around your house or in your car or on your work desk and ask God to give you the strength to do this on a daily basis, just as he is doing for us! I pray we will all become more gracious, patient, kindhearted, compassionate and softhearted towards others, especially those who frustrate or hurt us.

Matthew 9:10-13 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Let's become the merciful Christians Jesus calls us to be!

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime