Mercy is a necessity because no one on the planet has arrived at perfection. Mercy and grace are linked together. Grace deals with the problem sin brings. Grace removes the sin. Mercy eliminates the punishment. Grace is given the moment you repent. Forgiveness flows out of mercy. For God so loved “the world,” but only those who receive His grace and mercy are saved.
When you need mercy, this message is for you. Mercy cannot be earned. It is given “only” when it is extended. It is impossible to give it away. It will always return. If you walk in mercy, “surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life…” Psalm 23:6
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
It is easy to take the praise for the good we do. It requires a much greater effort to take the blame for the bad we do. In contrast, Jesus took responsibility for the mistakes of others. He suffered the penalty for our sins before they were ever committed. Before you sinned, mercy was provided. Before it was ever requested, forgiveness was extended. The key to mercy is forgiveness.
- Forgive “in spite of.” Mercy isn’t given because it is deserved. Mercy chooses to forgive anyway and keeps on forgiving.
- Choose not to remember the offense. Mercy doesn’t bring up the past. Do not seek revenge. Forgiveness lets go of the offense and gives it to God.
- Extend mercy today. You may need it tomorrow. When mercy shows up, there is always restoration. Read Luke 10:30-37. It is an incredible parable about mercy in action on theJerichoroad. It begins with a man robbed, beaten, and left for dead. Several passed by, but only one showed mercy. The story ends with the ‘Good Samaritan’ rescuing him and even paying his medical expenses.
“By mercy and truth, iniquity is purged and by fear of the Lord men depart from evil.” Proverbs 16:6
