Our God of Mercy

Why does it always seem to take so long for God to intervene and help when we are at our most pitiful? After all, isn't God a God of mercy? Doesn't He know our pain?

There are times when the last thing on our minds is whether or not we are showing mercy because we wonder why we aren't getting mercy ourselves from God. We, the offended, become the offender when lack of compassion and kindness spews forth from our mouths or actions. We feel justified. After all, we are offended. But, is this what we expect from God?

We expect mercy to be eternal, everlasting, and gracious when it comes from God. So, why should we be merciful? We are not God. Why then, should we show mercy? Because, like forgiveness, without mercy, we will never receive mercy.

James 2:13 For to him who has shown no mercy the judgment [will be] merciless, but mercy [full of glad confidence] exults victoriously over judgment.

Every action we take and every reaction we have will dictate the results we receive now and in the coming judgment. Here on earth, we face many personal trials and tribulations as we move forward in our attempts to navigate the roads of life. Every day we potentially face a  threat in one way or another or worse, we threaten in one way or another. For some, threats are a way to results. For others, understanding, compassion, and mercy is the key.

Who’s right and who’s wrong may not be in question when we face the ultimate last days or moments of our lives. At that time we will probably only be seeking mercy. The Word of God [Bible] assures us that when we show mercy we will receive mercy and blessings. If we could gauge our temperament by the Word of God, mercy would exude from us every day of our lives.

5 Biblical tips on showing mercy: 1. Show forgiveness quickly. Mercy is forgiving. Forgiveness can turn a volatile miscommunication into spiritual growth.

The good Samaritan was a biblical example of mercy.

Colossians 3:12-13 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, ¹³  bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

James 2:12 So speak and so act as [people should] who are to be judged under the law of liberty [the moral instruction given by Christ, especially about love].

2. Attempt to understand before you judge. Judging quickly lacks mercy. It is for God to judge. Not us.

Romans 1:32 Although they know God’s judgment that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do these things but also approve of others who do them.

Romans 2:6-8 He will pay all people back for what they have done. ⁷He will give everlasting life to those who search for glory, honor, and immortality by persisting in doing what is good. But he will bring ⁸anger and fury on those who, in selfish pride, refuse to believe the truth and who follow what is wrong.

3. Acknowledge God in everything you do. Sinful humanity ignores God. If you refuse God or God’s guidance through his word and commandments, you may think you’re doing well, but your end is eternal death.

Proverbs 14:22 Don’t those who stray plan what is evil, while those who are merciful and faithful plan what is good?

Psalm 145:8 The Lord is merciful, compassionate, patient, and always ready to forgive.

4. Practice mercy to others in place of cruelty. When you show mercy to others, you are fulfilling God’s will in your life. God will replay. When you practice giving mercy, mercy is easier to give each time.

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are those who show mercy. They will be treated mercifully.

Proverbs 11:17 A merciful person helps himself, but a cruel person hurts himself.

Romans 12:19-21 Don’t take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God’s anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, “I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord.” ²⁰But, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will make him feel guilty and ashamed.” ²¹Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.

5. Let others know about the mercy of God. In this way, you share the good news of salvation.

Mark 5:19 But Jesus would not allow it. Instead, he told the man, “Go home to your family, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been to you.”

Luke 1:78 A new day will dawn on us from above because our God is loving and merciful.

Hebrews 2:17-18  Therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters so that he could be merciful. He became like them so that he could serve as a faithful chief priest in God’s presence and make peace with God for their sins. ¹⁸Because Jesus experienced temptation when he suffered, he is able to help others when they are tempted.

Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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Free to Be a Joyful Servant

Although joyful and servant seem to be an oxymoron when put together, the ideal life on earth according to Jesus Christ is of servitude. Imagine a world where we all are helping each other, where we actually enjoy serving, and where being responsible for ourselves and others, is normal. That’s a world where selfishness does not exist, love and giving take priority, no one is left out, everyone does their part, respect prevails, and peace and harmony always permeate the atmosphere.

Philippians 2:5-7 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

The joy of giving of ourselves in servitude to God and others brings heaven to the natural world. God is not surprised by our actions whether in giving, loving, sharing, and helping or in taking, hoarding, hating, or walking away from the needs of others. When we reach out in love we fulfill the command of Christ to love, our lives take on new meaning, and we walk joyfully.

Dorfkrippe von Baumkirchen Nativity

The only problems we might encounter in a world where servitude is a priority in life would come if God were not considered. In that case, our servitude would be distorted at best and subject to our control according to our own thinking, desires, needs, and opinions. Servitude without God is manipulative at best.

The unfolding sky (Photo credit: badjonni)

Isaiah 64:6 For we are all become as one that is unclean, and all our righteousness is as a polluted garment: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

5 Biblical tips to the joy of serving:
1. Pray. Prayer is the most important service we can give our fellow man. If we pray for the needs of others and pray for God to open our hearts to know and give what is truly needed, the Holy Spirit will guide us.

1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing,

2. Ask. Reach out to your neighbor and ask if there’s anything you can do to help them.

1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

Romans 13:10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

3. Be receptive and grateful. When others serve us they receive a blessing from God in return.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

4. Love your family. God has given us a family for a good reason and a service of love toward your family, whether wife, husband, brother, sister, mother, father or family in Christ is expected and desirable.

1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Proverbs 11:29 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be a servant to the wise of heart.

1 Peter 2:17 Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Have a respectful fear of God. Honor the emperor.

Romans 12:10 Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other.

5. Bless your enemies. As difficult as it may seem, another way of serving God is to forgive and love even our enemies.

Luke 6:27 “But I tell everyone who is listening: Love your enemies. Be kind to those who hate you.
Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

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