The Joy of Mercy
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7, NIV).
Do you think Jesus is implying that you get what you give? In one sense, mercy is the right way (or the God way) of treating people. After all, the Bible says that “the Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love” (Psalm 145:8, NLT).
Being merciful will make you happy. “Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you” (Proverbs 11:17). But choosing to be merciful can be tough … especially when dealing with people who are not merciful. Here’s a quick little test to help you see what your mercy level is:
Are you patient with people who are not?
Do you rub it in or rub it out when people make mistakes?
Are you helpful to hurting people?
Do you do good to your enemies?
John Wesley once said, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.”
Take some time to think about some people in your world who may need a little mercy … and give it to them!
Make a great day!
— Doug Clay is general treasurer of the Assemblies of God.
