Throughout the Bible God identifies himself as a merciful God. ”God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” Exodus 34:6 .
Abba Father’s Gift of mercy extended to us, is greater than any other gift we could ever receive! We know that Father God’s mercy moved His heart to send Jesus to die in our place, so that we can have life in all its abundance. “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 What grace, love, and mercy!
In Jesus’ longest sermon, He said in Matt. 5:7 – “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Mercy generates more mercy. We can show mercy and compassion to others BECAUSE God has been merciful to us! Luke 6:36 says, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
What burdens are you carrying right now? God promises to be with us every day. When we arise from sleeping each night, we can be confident in the knowledge that God’s compassionate mercy WILL accompany us throughout the day when we deliberately practice the presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in our lives. “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
I once read a true story about a criminal who was on “death row” awaiting execution because of the terrible deeds he had done. He was his mother’s only living relative and she pleaded from the president to pardon her son. Moved by mercy, the president dressed up as a very ordinary man and visited the young man in prison. The prisoner was so filled with anger and bitterness, that he would not even look at his “visitor” but told him to go away. The president sadly left that prison saying, “If you knew who came to you today to release you, you would have received me.” The poor young man was executed soon after that important visitation. Just so, Jesus comes to us daily to release us from bondage, fear, anxiety, sorrow, and hardships. His merciful love extends to you as you read this, and He offers you His compassionate love.
Lord, thank You that Your “mercy extends to those who fear You, from generation to generation.” Luke 1:50 “Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.” Psalm 25:6-7 Thank You that “mercy, peace and love can be ours in abundance.” Jude 1:2 We love you and thank You for your love, grace, compassionate forgiveness, and mercy! Amen
Myrtle Turunen