“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
Proverbs 28:13 KJV
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.
“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
Luke 6:36 KJV
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 plenteous in mercy.” Psalms 103:8 KJV
The following post recently 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 manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:19-24 KJV
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 hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8 KJV
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 shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38 KJV
So, if you want mercy - give it!
Just like forgiveness!
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15 KJV
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7 KJV
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 perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. 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 he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:13 KJV
“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:”
Luke 6:36-37 KJV
Even so - MARANATHA!
From 8/12/16
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