Giving Affection and Mercy (Philippians 2:1-2)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 2:1-2

Just as we have been given mercy, we must give mercy to others.

Paul reminds us that mercy is necessary for “like-mindedness.” We have to be willing to not give others what we think they deserve … just as God has done for us.

This is especially true in our local church and with our closest circles of Christian friends. We’re all human, and others may (okay, likely will) do things that hurt or offend us. A bit of gossip. A careless word.

When we’re hurt, our first instinct often is to lash out or respond in kind. But we’re called to show “affection and mercy.” To offer forgiveness. To give comfort.

And this doesn’t mean we wait until they ask for love or mercy or forgiveness.

No, God offered salvation even when we sinned (Romans 5:8).

We need to show mercy and not give others what we think they deserve.

It’s not easy, but with the help of the Spirit, we can do it.

Mercy and Compassion (Zechariah 7:9-10)

Today’s scripture: Zechariah 7:9-10

Sometimes, mercy and compassion seem to go hand-in-hand.

If I’m going to show mercy toward someone, I also need to show them compassion.

We’ve defined mercy as not getting what we do deserve. Compassion can be defined as “sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).

So if these attributes are put together …

If someone wrongs me and then shows true remorse, I should “desire to alleviate” the other’s “distress” by not giving him what he does deserve: condemnation.

And this is where a bit of grace comes in …

I need to forgive that “someone” (in other words, give him what he does not deserve).

Mercy and compassion … and grace.

Hand-in-hand. 

Having Mercy (Proverbs 14:21)

Today’s scripture: Proverbs 14:21

It’s sometimes way too easy to become complacent.

For example, Russ and I are really blessed to live in a community that would probably be described as upper-middle class and above. There are people who were former mid-level managers and fire captains alongside former CEOs and surgeons.

We don’t want for food, clothing, or shelter.

And yes, it’s easy to be satisfied with our little piece of paradise on earth.

Yet, we can never forget that there are many—so many—who have less than we do, and since we have been given so much, we need to have mercy for those who don’t.

That “having mercy” can be done in many ways. We can pray. We can give. We can go.

I don’t believe God is pleased when we hoard what He’s blessed us with. However, when we give generously, when we pray with diligence, when we put feet to our words, I picture His smile.

And when we do have mercy? Then we smile too!

Love Mercy (Micah 6:8)

Today’s scripture: Micah 6:8

I love this verse. I absolutely love it!

If we who call ourselves followers of Christ would live by these words, what a difference we would make in this world.

If we did “justly” treating others as we want to be treated …

If we “loved mercy” showing mercy and compassion to others …

If we “walked humbly with our God” each and every day …

Or as another version states:

See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God. (CEV)

It’s a tall order, but if we only lived this way … every day.

Blessed Are the Merciful (Matthew 5:7)

Today’s scripture: Matthew 5:7

On Monday, we looked at how merciful God is to us … giving us eternal life when we deserve eternal separation.

So, if we have received such mercy from Him, can we be anything other than merciful to others?

When someone wrongs us and deserves punishment, can we offer mercy? Can we forgive?

We should.

In fact, Jesus Himself said that when we are merciful, we are blessed. When we are merciful, we receive mercy.

Are you holding a grudge? Is unforgiveness keeping you from offering mercy? Go to our merciful God and ask Him to help you show mercy … just as you have received mercy.