Mercy Brings Sweet Reward!

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:36

Being merciful and compassionate is wisdom. I remembered a story about a recent visit to my friend’s home; we came across a small dog roaming on the road. After we stopped and called the dog over, we noticed that the dog was in bad shape.

The dog was covered in fleas and ticks, and it was obvious it hadn’t eaten in quite some time. I felt compassionated at that point. Even though we already have two dogs, I still took this dog home. After several trips to the vet, it greatly improved. And today, it has truly become a beloved member of our family.

James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.”

Mercy shows compassion or forgiveness toward someone—similar to the act of compassion I showed to the dog. There are people all around us who are hurting spiritually, they need help financially, or they are just emotionally disturbed and need you to speak the word of God to them. They are in bad shape because they are lost. Unless we are intentional, we may not see them, and we will miss the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.

Brethren, unless we see what Jesus sees, we will not feel what Jesus feels. Jesus was moved to compassion when He came across those in need. He showed mercy to those who accepted Him—as well as to those who rejected Him. As believers, we must also be merciful to those in need, regardless of whether they accept or reject Christ. Be Merciful! Proverbs 29:7 says, “A righteous person knows the rights of the poor; a wicked person does not understand such knowledge.”

Prayer:
1. Father, open my eyes to see the needs around me and be merciful to those in need.
2. Psalm 145:8 “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”