JESUS, THE FACE OF GOD’S MERCY
I am a living testimony of God’s mercy and forgiveness upon my life. I am so glad that I am alive today to share of His Goodness and Mercies. God called me, He healed me from the grave of bitterness, anger, selfishness, loneliness, unforgiveness, rejection and so my list can go on. I needed someone to rescue me and Mercy saved me. The Lord found me and gave me real authentic love, which I treasure with my life. The written word has become my garment every day, tailor made just for what I need to reflect on a daily basis.
The Oxford dictionary defines mercy as “compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within ones power to punish or harm.”
I would like to encourage you to choose Compassion and Forgiveness.
Psalms 145:8-9 (NLT) explains the POWER OF GODS MERCY so accurately. “The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.”
WHY DOES GOD EXPECT ME TO SHOW MERCY?
- God shows continuous mercy to me (Eph.2:4-5)(Matt.18:33)
- God wants me to be like Him (Micah 6:8)
- I need mercy to go to heaven (Matt.6:15)
- Mercy is a remedy for depression (Prov.11:18)
Declare: “JESUS IS THE FACE OF GODS MERCY!”
As believers in the faith, we need to desire mercy and compassion for others just like Jesus did.
Scriptures instruct us to go learn and study God’s word on mercy. We see this in the following scriptures,
Matthew 9:12-13 NIV
“On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this (SCRIPTURE) means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.””
Matthew 9:13 AMP
“Go and learn what this [Scripture] means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION [for those in distress], AND NOT [animal] SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call [to repentance] the [self-proclaimed] righteous [who see no need to change], but sinners [those who recognize their sin and actively seek forgiveness].”
How does God expect me to show Mercy to everyone? “How do I become an Agent of Mercy?”
What is my starting point?
I would like to give you the greatest secret, get into the “BIBLE”!!!
Every answer, any guidance, wisdom, knowledge, authority, identity, grace or anything you need to be transformed is in the written word of God. When we study this book; we realize that mercy matters so much more to God, than judgment.
God doesn’t want to judge, He rather wants to be merciful and compassionate.
When we are judgmental of others, it means that we have a lack of understanding of the Word of God.
Matthew 12:7 ESV
“And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.”
The choice lies in your hands. Do you want to be an Agent of Justice or an Agent of Mercy?
Here are four practical ways on how to become an Agent of Mercy.
1. FORGIVE PEOPLE WHEN THEY MESS UP.
2 Cor. 2:7-8 (NKJV)
“so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.”
HAVE MERCY AND COMFORT THOSE WHO HAVE MESSED UP, REAFFIRM THEM WITH YOUR LOVE.
Luke 11:4 (NLT)
"Forgive us our sins, just as we forgive those who have sinned against us."
Forgive the fallen, especially if they have hurt you. Most people want to get even or write them off....But an Agent of Mercy forgives the fallen.
2. BE PATIENT WITH PEOPLES FAULTS.
Everyone displays odd behaviours at times. When you control yourself , exercise self-control with someone who is irritated, YOU SHOW THEM MERCY.
Proverbs 16:32 NLT
“Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.”
1 Peter 2:23 (Msg)
“They called Him every name in the book, and He said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right.”
WE NEED TO HAVE THE SAME HEART ATTITUDE AS JESUS DID, “SAY NOTHING BACK”.
Honestly, I know this is hard to do, especially for us as woman. But again, when we desire to be like Jesus, and we choose to respond the way he did then we will overcome anything. Amen!
Colossians 3:13 (NLT)
“You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
CONFESSION:
I WILL MAKE ALLOWANCE FOR THE FAULTS OF OTHERS, I WILL FORGIVE THOSE WHO OFFEND ME, BECAUSE THE LORD FORGAVE ME. (Matt. 6:14-15 NKJV)
The starting place to show Mercy & Forgiveness IS IN THE FOUR WALLS OF YOUR HOME. START WITH YOUR OWN FAMILY.
3. SHOW RESPECT TO PEOPLE YOU DISAGREE WITH. "Treat everyone you meet with dignity." 1 Peter 2:17 (Msg)
Oh my goodness, Everyone??? Yes, EVERYONE!!!
EPHESIANS 4:31-32 MSG
“Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.”
ASK yourself, do you want to win the argument or win them for Christ?
Who has hurt you the most recently? Show Mercy!!
What do I say here?
MERCY IS GIVING PEOPLE WHAT THEY NEED, NOT WHAT THEY DESERVE!!!!!
4. BLESS THOSE WHO INSULT YOU.
If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other cheek also.
Matthew 5:39 AMP
“But I say to you, do not resist an evil person [who insults you or violates your rights]; but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also [simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise].”
1 Peter 3:9 (NLT)
“Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it.”
It is time WE PUT ON THE POWER OF GENTLENESS. 2 Samuel 22:36b (ESV)
“Your gentleness has made me great”.
#Gentleness MAKES YOU GREAT, By Giving You the Power To BE an AGENT OF MERCY!!!!
Forgive quickly
Love deeply
Ps.Lil ❤