“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.”Psalm 51:1
Sometimes when we think of mercy we only think of avoiding punishment and discipline. But sometimes the greatest mercy is in getting caught in our sin. Like a child going into a dark closet to play with matches, sometimes the most loving thing God can do is bring our failures into the light. Sin grows strongest in the dark. Maybe there is some sin in your life that needs to be dealt with in the light? Maybe you have tried to struggle with it on your own but it continues to hold you captive.
God has given us each other to lean on, and hold each other accountable. Find a wise and godly friend, let them know you are struggling and see what God can do.
The world seems to be witnessing increasing levels of violence, fear and hatred that challenge us each day. In such times, talk about mercy may seem more like wishful thinking. But mercy matters – now more than ever.
At its core, mercy is forgiveness. The Bible speaks of God’s love for sinners – that is, for all of us. But the Bible also relates mercy to other qualities beyond love and forgiveness.
According to the Bible, mercy does matter: It matters because we all need forgiveness and because it is what can join us all together in spite of our differences.
When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have received it.