BEATITUDES # 5

Welcome to Monday with a mission!

HOW WAS YOUR DESIRE FROM LAST WEEK REVEALED?

Last week I suggested you write down a special desire you had in your heart and then to pray about this week.

Did you follow through?

How was the desire revealed to you this week?

MERCY VS MERCIFUL

So, – Matthew 5:7 is

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy

Today’s mission is focused on “what does it mean to be merciful?”

Have you ever focused on those around you who you believe are “merciful”.  What do they do that is different?

What do they say that makes you stop and pay attention?

Merciful and mercy?

What is the difference?

Jesus tells us that those who are merciful to others, mercy will also be shown to them. When you show and demonstrate kindness, forgiveness, and compassion Jesus tells us, it will be shown to you.

So, being merciful is the act of showing mercy – something we have probably all experienced, either giving it ourselves or accepting it from someone.

THE MOST VALUABLE ACT OF MERCY…

The most valuable act of mercy is when God showed mercy on us when He sacrificed His son Jesus Christ on the cross to cover our sins.

Mercy is a combination of compassion and forgiveness, and being merciful involves being compassionate and forgiving when someone else does not deserve it.

An important part of this act of being merciful is not keeping track of when you have shown mercy.  That could be considered as spiritual pride or conceit.

It is a most precious gift.  We give of ourselves not expecting anything in return.

As young parents and grandparents we give of ourselves to protect, love, nourish and teach our little ones.

Our reward is witnessing when they show mercy to someone else.

As gardeners we love to give away our vegetables, sometimes just putting them where people can get them, use them and enjoy them.

Not to receive any reward, just to share our bounty.

ALLOW GOD TO LEAD YOU THIS WEEK

When you allow God to lead you to the opportunities to be merciful – for Him to use you – to grow as His light shines through you – it is an immeasurable gift.

Accept the gift with humble awareness of how God is using you.

How often this week will you experience someone who attacks you through words or gestures; they make you want to retaliate in the same way, but instead you pray FOR them and you. Remove the scales from our eyes. Let me see, Lord, what this person needs to find joy in You.

God knows WHO you are and how you respond to situations that you may want to react to instead. The word respond is from the word responsibility.  Take the responsibility to follow Christ’s actions this week.  Show mercy, be merciful.

Thank You, Lord, for the beauty of how you constantly show us mercy and grace.  Help us to let this act of being merciful become habit, become a part of who we are.  Let people see You in us this week.

In Jesus Name, Amen