FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 LOVE WINS/MERCY

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 LOVE WINS / MERCY

Quotes:

I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice. Abraham Lincoln

God's mercy and grace give me hope - for myself, and for our world.  Billy Graham

Because of the LORD's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.  Lamentations 3:22-23 

Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

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WHAT IS MERCY

“It is loving compassion in action, willing to rescue or give help to those who are afflicted. Mercy doesn't help others in an attempt to look good, nor is it a passive concern for those in need. True mercy is selfless and is willing to act because there simply is a need for action.”

“Mercy is love that seeks to forgive, console, assist, and care for others in time of need. Mercy is an act of love done without expecting anything in return; it is done for love itself. “

HOW TO SHOW MERCY:

First, merciful people know they need mercy

I hate to tell all of you this - but I need your love and mercy!!!  (And, you need me too!!)

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A second key to being merciful is to see all people have needs

Yup - everybody has needs - maybe some needs are more critical - like not having the money to pay your rent or mortgage payment - or to buy food. Some people have relationship needs - they are estranged from some in their families.  (Hey - LOVE does WIN!!!)

I think of insect antennas - they seemingly can sense the world around them.  Can you sense where somebody has a need for somebody to show them some love and mercy?

I think many people have needs that can’t be seen.  Many people have emotional issues and depression.  

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A third principle is merciful people can step over traditions to be merciful.

I think of the Good Samaritan who helped a person, not of his background who was injured.  With the recent pull-out of forces in Afghanistan, some refugees are being brought to the United States.  Can you help?  Can you help Black Families who have been uprooted by violence?  Can you help others who are not in your group/church/tradition? 

Micah 6:8 “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

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In an online dictionary, Mercy has these synonyms

leniency · lenience · clemency · compassion · grace · pity · charity · forgiveness · forbearance · quarter · humanity · humaneness · humanitarianism · mildness · soft-heartedness · tender-heartedness · kindness · sympathy · liberality · indulgence · tolerance · generosity · magnanimity · beneficence

Can I be tender-hearted today?  Can I be kind?  Can I be generous to others?  

Can I forgive others?

Can I show leniency to others?  

If I can be merciful, that I really am showing that LOVE WINS!!!

Karen