EXHIBITING MERCY

Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

            It is my contention that it is much easier to be bitter, angry, slanderous, filled with rage and/or spew out harsh words to another individual then it is to forgive, treating others with tenderhearted mercy. Based on our past and the many non-spiritual influences we’ve had in our lives, I believe that it has become almost a reflex action (or reaction) to allow evil to dictate our thoughts, words and actions. Those who surrender their life and will over to the one and only true God will find that spewing evil will become less of a reflex and more of a hesitation. 

            The new teachings that we inject into our minds thru the reading and hearing of the word of God will start to take hold, pushing aside that which is displeasing to our Lord. It will begin to become more agreeable to us to forgive than seek revenge. We desire will more and more become to act and react as Christ in each daily situation. 

            The whole concept found in the gospels teaches us to “forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”^[1]It would be a sad day indeed for us if we received from God that which we doled out. Unless we want to bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit we must start to listen for him and to him for he knows the way we should go, what we should be doing and what we need to say. It is by the great mercy and undeserved favor of God that he forgives us. It has nothing to do with the forgiveness we offer those who offend us. Since Christ readily and freely forgave those who murdered him without them even asking, so we are to forgive any and all transgressors who come against us. Lead with love and mercy will follow. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

^[1] Matthew 6:14-15; 18:35; Mark 11:25

NLT – New Living Translation