In Christ

Mercy - "O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever” Psalm 136:1 (Amplified)

We don't seem to talk much about the mercy of God anymore. Why is that? Many scriptures in the Old Testament mentions the "mercy of God”. The people in that day may have been much more focused on God's judgement than on His goodness and mercy, but people like Abraham and Moses saw His goodness and His merciful side.

Fast forward to Jesus. He was the goodness and mercy of God the Father personified! Simply put, mercy is the same thing as compassion. God has so much love and compassion for us. He sent his Son to save us. Jesus had compassion on people and taught them the Good News - He delivered them and healed them. Matthew 4:23 puts it this way: "And He went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news (Gospel) of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every weakness and infirmity among the people.” (Amplified) You may not recognize it, but this is the mercy of God in action!

Pity feels sorry for someone yet does nothing. Mercy (or compassion) feels sorry and is moved to do something for that person. First of all mercy forgives, if there is something to forgive; mercy never holds a grudge against anyone. Mercy also does what it can for someone in need.

Does this mean that all Christians must do everything they can, for everyone who is in need in the world today? I don't believe so.

It is time we do what we have been asked to do of God!

What we must do is - do what God is leading us to do as individuals and corporately in The Church. That is the important thing. Jesus wasn't able to preach to, teach or heal everyone he came in contact with, only those God had called Him to - and those who would receive from Him! Individually we will not be able to do it all, but we should be doing our part! Our part begins with teaching that Jesus heals today and getting it inside us, so we can pray in faith for others, as Jesus did. When we act in faith, on what God has promised, He will bring the results - it is not up to us.

I want you to do two things today. The first thing I would like you to do is to think of and thank God for all the mercy He has shown you in the past. The second thing I would like you to do is to continually do your best to show mercy to others! This is how God operates - through His Church, His people. Are you a Christian? Then you are called to show mercy.

Submitted by Pastor Rena Mae