DEVOTION ~ THE MERCIFUL
Theme: The Merciful
Text: Matthew 5:7
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
In today's devotion, we will be looking at the merciful. Being merciful implies showing mercy to whoever one ought to. Mercy means compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power. It could also imply compassionate treatment to those in distress. In this, mercy can be from a superior to a subordinate who hasn't been of good conduct or compassionate towards the needs of the subordinate in terms of work, family or financial issues; it could be touching the lives of the poor or needy to bring smiles on their faces.
As you lead others, be considerate to know much about them and do not be a mean leader. Forgive when your subordinate goes wrong and make them feel comfortable around you. Likewise when someone offends you, remember not to seek vengeance rather forgive. In the Lord's prayer, a line reads forgive us as we have forgiven those who trespass against us. Stretch your arms to help the poor, needy, orphans, widows amongst others. Do good to others and good will locate you.
If you're merciful, you will obtain mercy. The measure of treatment you give to others, so will you also be treated. Always evaluate how you wish to be treated and treat others as such. The mercies of the Lord are renewed each morning and this must be our nature too. We must rise each morning with renewed mercies towards others. There's no need to keep records of those you've been merciful to, that's for the Lord and He will reward you accordingly.
Prayer: O God, Your nature is mercy and You're merciful. By the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, I receive the spirit of mercy to walk mercifully with others in all I do. This I pray in Jesus' name. AMEN!
Amen...
ReplyDeleteKindly help me with this explanation...
How does being meek and merciful work together........and also how different are they in terms of their works......?
Thanks.
When one puts others first, in terms of considering them above his needs, he is meek. When he expresses concern of forgiveness, helping others who at a moment need help, then he is being merciful. In these two working effectively together, I will say, one must be very abreast with his environment, what are the situations at hand, who actually needs assistant, how can it be well balanced to ensure fairness and equity plays out perfectly? Eg; You've been badly maligned by a friend such that people are wrongly accusing you. You've lost your integrity with many. You chose to give everything to God (being meek). One day, you were in your car heading home when you chanced on a scene where there has been hit and run. The victim is badly injured that, he needs to be sent to the hospital. You went closer only to find out it was this friend that betrayed you. The heart of mercy will move you to help him to the hospital. In as much as we desire to be meek, we need to be merciful too so we can serve God and humanity better.
DeleteThe difference however is that, the meek is looking at the outcome or result of taking an action or not taking such action. That's seeking peace to prevail above his comfort. However the merciful is moved by current circumstances of others and what he can do to bring relief. The later is moved by compassion whilst the former acts with discretion. In the former, there's an element of self benefit but self denied. However with the later, you have no benefit but just willing to help another.
Hope the above is helpful. Thanks for asking.