04-02-24-ENG.

For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.

Deuteronomy 4:31 NIV
There are many reasons that people need mercy, but one of them is when circumstances outside of their control have caused chaos in their lives. It could be that a person was born blind or handicapped in some way. It could be that a weather catastrophe occurred in their region. It could be due to cutbacks at work, or an accident on the job or on the road. There are countless reasons why people are miserable due to no fault of their own. We’ve all experienced these times as well. It is during these seasons or situations, where we need someone to intervene and lift the burden of misery we cannot control, that we discover how refreshing mercy can truly be. But it is also in these times, when the weight of the world looms heavy on our shoulders, that God also looks at our track record of whether or not we showed mercy to those in need.

We will be blessed with God’s mercy if we have been merciful to others. Granted, this is contrary to the dog-eat-dog society we live in. But it is a kingdom value that, if you fail to apply it regularly to others, will come back to bite you as well. Now, I understand, you can’t help everyone. No one has the capacity to help everyone. But to live with this kingdom value of mercy means that you do make an effort to remove the burden and lessen the misery for those whom you can. You can make showing mercy a lifestyle and not an event. It starts with altering your viewpoint to one that is rooted in humility. As you grow in this area, you will begin to judge less and help more. Mercy is a natural outgrowth of kingdom living. It is a natural outgrowth of having a right relationship with God in such a way that you understand and accept the mercy He has shown to you. 

Anytime you dismiss God’s work of mercy in your own life, beginning with salvation, you will be less likely to show mercy to others. Outward mercy is an indicator light for your inward level of humility and gentleness. You’ll see that many of these kingdom virtues rest on each other. They are intertwined with each other. As you grow in spiritual maturity with regard to one, you will often grow in spiritual maturity with regard to others. That’s why it is so important to spend focused and dedicated time with Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of what it means to have a heart rooted in kingdom values. As you spend time with Jesus both through His Word and in prayer, you will become more like Him. He will begin to rub off on you. Then, people will know you are His disciple because you will exhibit the kingdom values He so longs for you to have. 

Reaction:
What is one thing from your past that emotionally hinders you from showing mercy to others? What are you willing to do to overcome this hindrance? Why do you think Jesus wants you to be able to show mercy more easily and effortlessly toward others? 

Prayer:
Jesus, the things that have taken place in my life that have hardened my heart can oftentimes be a hindrance to showing mercy toward others. I want to overcome these things so that I can serve You more completely. Help me identify these things and address them both emotionally and spiritually so that I can fully heal. I pray all of this in Your name, amen.