Topic: Four Reasons to Be Merciful [RICK WARREN Devotional 15 May 2023]
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Four Reasons to Be Merciful
“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Matthew 5:7 (NLT)
Jesus says in Matthew 5:7, “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (NLT).
In other words, you’re going to get what you give. If you want God’s blessing on your life, then you’ve got to learn to be a minister of mercy.
But why does God expect you to show mercy to others? Why should you be merciful?
Because God has shown you mercy. Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “God’s mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God’s grace that you have been saved” (GNT).
God wants you to pass on the mercy that you’ve received from him.
Because God commands you to be merciful. Do you want a summary of what life’s all about? Here it is: “The Lord has told you what is good. This is what the Lord requires from you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 GW).
Because you’re going to need more mercy in the future. Between now and when you get to heaven, you’re going to make a lot of mistakes—and you’ll need God’s mercy when you do! But you cannot receive what you are unwilling to give. James 2:13 says, “You must show mercy to others, or God will not show mercy to you when he judges you. But the person who shows mercy can stand without fear at the judgment” (NCV).
Because showing mercy leads to happiness. Look again at Matthew 5:7. It says that God blesses those who are merciful. The word “blessed” also means “happy.” So the more you learn and demonstrate mercy, the more blessed and happier you’re going to be.
If you want to start giving and receiving more mercy, pray this prayer today:
“Heavenly Father, when I look at the sin and shortcomings in my own life, I’m so grateful for the mercy you have given me. I want to become a merciful person and to give others the same mercy you’ve given me. Give me courage to offer mercy, even in hurtful and painful situations. And let my acts of mercy point others to you. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Talk It Over
- What does it mean to “love mercy,” as Micah 6:8 says?
- How has God blessed you when you’ve shown mercy to others, even when it’s been difficult?
- Think of some ways that you could have shown mercy to others in the last week. How might that have changed the outcome of a specific situation?
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