Mercy is not receiving what we deserve. The greatest example of mercy shown in the Bible is in Romans 6:23, which says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The result of our sin is death, which means eternal punishment or judgment of our sin. We deserve to receive the judgment of God because of our sin, but God did not give us what we deserve. In the same manner, we need to show mercy to others just as God has been merciful to us. James 2:13 says, "because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment."
The problem that the religious leaders in the time of Jesus was that they were so strict with their traditions that the people were suffering. Instead of them showing mercy to the needy, they oppressed them all the more. When Jesus healed people during the Sabbath, the religious leaders were against it. In fact, they tried to stop Jesus from healing the people. God wants us not to be like the religious leaders, but He wants us to show mercy to others. The best place to start showing mercy to others is in our home.
Let us not quick to judge others, but we need to show mercy when someone makes mistakes. All of us make mistakes and sin. We like to receive mercy when we make mistakes, but when others make mistakes against us, we are quick to judge. Two ways that can help us to show mercy to others: the first one is to remember what God has done in our lives. He showed mercy to us. The second one is to be understanding. Remember that we all make mistakes. As Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
Ask yourself these questions: What is mercy? What are the two things that can help me to be merciful? Is there anyone that I can show mercy today?
Write down all the worries that you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayers:
Father in heaven, thank you for being a merciful God. I deserve your eternal punishment because of my sin, but you did not give me what I deserve. Please help me to show mercy to others just as you have been merciful to me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.