Mercy

*inspired by Devotional #182 in "Devotions for the God Girl" by Hayley DiMarco* 

 Matthew 5:7 

 " Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." 

   When people do bad things, I want justice. I want them to pay for what they did. It seems fair that bad acts should be punished, but I am NOT the punisher. God makes it clear that my job is the total opposite of that. I am to be merciful . I am to be like GOD. WHEN GOD CHOSE ME , HE CHOSE ME TO BECOME MORE LIKE HIM! ( see Ephesians 5:1). It's a tall order yes, but what does God say?? He says that all things are possible through HIM.

 Matthew 9:26

   " But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." 

   Mercy is one of the most amazing traits of God. These people that HE created sinned against him. We deeply hurt our Father who made us. Yet, HE has mercy on us. And, HE wants me to show that same mercy to others. But that selfish part of me tries to rise up again and say : " But they don't deserve mercy!!!" This is in fact true. No one deserves mercy! But , Isn't that the definition of mercy ? Mercy = Not giving people what they deserve. Mercy sounds good when it's coming my way, but showing it to others can be tough. Nonetheless, it is so important. 

   Mercy isn't a recommendation for the Christian, it's a necessity. IF YOU WANT MERCY, YOU'VE GOTTA SHOW IT!!! Loving people who are difficult to love has it's reward . (Col. 3:14) True Love ties everything together. So, Do what God asks you to do it when it's hard. Look for chances today and always to show the mercy GOD has so graciously shown me and you.

In Christ,
Sarah