Show Mercy Even When People Are Mean
Show Mercy Even When People Are Mean | June 29th
It's easy to be kind and nice when others treat you well, but the real test of character comes down to how you react to people who treat you poorly. To help us respond in ways that honor God and can potentially improve the situation, we need to remember that the Lord desires us to show mercy, even when others are mean and unkind. David exemplified this focus, especially in his dealings with Saul. Although he had what seemed like the perfect opportunity to eliminate Saul in the cave, David showed him mercy instead.
First Samuel 24:9-11 records David's conversation with Saul, “Then he shouted to Saul, “Why do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you? 10 This very day you can see with your own eyes it isn’t true. For the Lord placed you at my mercy back there in the cave. Some of my men told me to kill you, but I spared you. For I said, ‘I will never harm the king—he is the Lord’s anointed one.’ 11 Look, my father, at what I have in my hand. It is a piece of the hem of your robe! I cut it off, but I didn’t kill you. This proves that I am not trying to harm you and that I have not sinned against you, even though you have been hunting for me to kill me.”
In these verses, David tries to clarify and communicate that he is not trying to destroy Saul, and had that been his agenda, Saul would have been dead already! We need to do like David and respond with mercy to the "Sauls" that are in our lives.
Whenever we show mercy, we are inviting God's blessing of mercy into our lives. Matthew 5:7 says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
Also, mercy strengthens our testimony and better positions us to reflect our Heavenly Father. In Luke 6:36, Jesus said, "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”
Who is God calling you to show mercy to today? Keep in mind that mercy is not the same as trust, as trust is something that needs to be earned. Mercy is not about taking revenge or responding with harm; rather, it involves praying for those who oppose you. Mercy is about choosing to be better, not bitter, in the face of unfair circumstances.
Mercy is the essence of our faith.
First Samuel 24:9-11 records David's conversation with Saul, “Then he shouted to Saul, “Why do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you? 10 This very day you can see with your own eyes it isn’t true. For the Lord placed you at my mercy back there in the cave. Some of my men told me to kill you, but I spared you. For I said, ‘I will never harm the king—he is the Lord’s anointed one.’ 11 Look, my father, at what I have in my hand. It is a piece of the hem of your robe! I cut it off, but I didn’t kill you. This proves that I am not trying to harm you and that I have not sinned against you, even though you have been hunting for me to kill me.”
In these verses, David tries to clarify and communicate that he is not trying to destroy Saul, and had that been his agenda, Saul would have been dead already! We need to do like David and respond with mercy to the "Sauls" that are in our lives.
Whenever we show mercy, we are inviting God's blessing of mercy into our lives. Matthew 5:7 says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
Also, mercy strengthens our testimony and better positions us to reflect our Heavenly Father. In Luke 6:36, Jesus said, "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”
Who is God calling you to show mercy to today? Keep in mind that mercy is not the same as trust, as trust is something that needs to be earned. Mercy is not about taking revenge or responding with harm; rather, it involves praying for those who oppose you. Mercy is about choosing to be better, not bitter, in the face of unfair circumstances.
Mercy is the essence of our faith.
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