Albright Church
Often our attitude to others is that they get what they deserve. Showing mercy to people who don't deserve it feels like enabling, but is it?
“Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7
Mercy over judgement is a gift freely given that cannot be repaid but can be paid forward.
God’s mercy matters.
Lamentations 3:22-23 – His mercies are new every morning.
Psalm 23:6 – His mercy follows us all the days of our lives.
Psalm 51:1 – His mercy blots out our transgressions.
Psalm 103:8-10 – His mercy does not treat us as our sins deserve.
Hebrews 4:16 – We can find mercy in our time of need.
Jesus taught and demonstrated that mercy matters.
Throughout the gospels Jesus demonstrated that mercy mattered to the many He fed who were hungry, befriended who were lonely, healed who were sick, comforted who were grieving, found who were lost, raised who were dead and redeemed who were dead in their sin.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Peter 1:3
“But for that very reason, I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life”.
1 Timothy 1:16
The ripple effect and circle of blessing through many generations.
Read Ruth 2:1-23 (NIV)
Ruth 2:1-23 NIV
“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wing you have come to take refuge.” Ruth 2:12
“50His mercy extends to those who fear Him from generation to generation. 54...remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever…” Luke 1:50, 54
“…judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement.” James 2:13
“keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt.” Jude 1:21-22
“36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 38Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap…” Luke 6:36, 38
The Golden Rule: “…Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, this sums up the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12
“He has shown you what is good and what the Lord requires of you, to act justly, to love mercy and walk humble with your God”. Micah 6:8
The attitude of mercy is a matter of the heart and the power of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives no matter the circumstance or situations we are in.
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia
What may seem to be random acts of kindness prompted and empowered by the Holy Spirit may have an eternal ripple effect for God’s Kingdom for many generations.
We are Blessed to be a Blessing.
Questions for Reflection
· How has God’s mercy mattered to you and your family? What ripple effects of mercy are evident in your life from the mercy of others?
· How can you access the attitude of kindness, compassion and mercy this week that may have a lasting impact for generations to come?