“He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”
(Proverbs 28:13 NKJV)
An interesting word "mercy"; something we covet for ourselves but are reluctant to give to others, but give we must even when it's not returned.
“Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:36 NKJV)
Definition:
mer·cy
noun
- 1.compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm."the boy was screaming and begging for mercy"
synonyms: leniency, clemency, compassion, grace, pity, charity, forgiveness, forbearance, quarter, humanity;
“The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.” (Psalms 103:8 NKJV)
The following post came across my newsfeed:
"If you stir hell up, the devil will stir everything he can against you: you'll get misunderstood, misrepresented. . . If you're not mature enough, it will get you down. It's not the contradiction of sinners . . . it's the criticism of Saints the gets you down." Leonard Ravenhill
Interacting with "friends" on Facebook gives us plenty of opportunities to exercise our spiritual muscles, develop fruit and check our level of maturity!
This also crossed my Newsfeed: "Maturity is being able to have your opinions and beliefs challenged, without feeling personally challenged or attacked." (Unknown)
Facebook also allows us to see the flesh in all its ugliness and to respond with mercy, as it has been offered to us, by our Father.
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:19-23 NKJV)
When we touch others' idols or sacred cows, we mustn't be surprised if love, kindness, and gentleness are in short supply. However, in obedience we must choose to not be offended. We must extend mercy. We must walk in forgiveness, in repentance, and in love.
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 NKJV)
Then, I received this as a morning text from a pastor friend:
"We should never minimize the sin of harboring an offense, which can derail our walk with God! Spiritual maturity requires that we become unoffendable! This will call for much humility and a forgiving spirit which are all byproducts of a new heart." Tony Langton
The differences in opinions (political or religious beliefs) written or spoken (by strangers or loved ones) give us ample opportunities to show others what is in our heart! (Matt 12:34)
The following scripture is not commonly quoted in relation to mercy:
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.””
(Luke 6:38 NKJV).
So, if you want mercy - give it!
Just like forgiveness! ““For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV)
“Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 NKJV)
Such scriptures, posts/texts delivered by friends (all from my Father); speak loving encouragements and inspire me to choose to be like His Son.
My prayer: Father, I come to you, having nothing I can boast in, but I can boast in You; Your faithfulness; Your goodness; Your mercy and Your grace! LORD, I ask forgiveness for the many moments I missed to show mercy and I repent for judgments I made. Forgive me Father for my disobedience in not loving as I should have! I recognize LORD, I could have done better and my heart's desire is to have honey come out every time my lemon gets squeezed! Thank You Father, that the work You began in me, You will bring to completion. My desire is for You and I will seek You and submit to You in all things. In Jesus precious name, I pray! Amen.
“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
(James 2:13 NKJV)
Even so - MARANATHA!
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