DEVOTION
FOR MONDAY DECEMBER 19, 2016
Topic: BE
MERCIFUL
Text:
Matthew 5:7
The blessed state for the merciful
as Jesus used it here, does not promise outright laughter, pleasure or earthly
prosperity rather the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward
circumstances. Romans 9:15 tells us that God shows mercy. Mercy means capacity
for holding oneself back from punishing or causing suffering to someone whom
one has the right to punish. Just like Jesus taught us in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew
6:9–13); forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us, so we
should be merciful in others so as to obtain mercy. Do you show mercy to people
who have truly offended you, that you may also obtain mercy? Are you of the
group that believes in an eye for an eye (Exodus 21:24)? God expects us to be
merciful, because He is merciful to us (Exodus 34:6 & 7). If God counts all
our shortcomings, who will stand before Him?
If you desire the blessedness of
God in this life, joy; the deepest form of happiness and peace of God which
passes all understanding, then you must be ready to show mercy to people you
meet on regular basis. You must follow
the example of Jesus to the woman caught in the very act (John 8:1–11). Always
show mercy and you will also receive it.
Food
for Thought: Mercy imitates God, and
disappoints Satan - St Chrysostom.
Memory
verse: Matthew 5:7
Prayer:
God, sow in me the spirit of mercy
and grant me the grace not to retaliate when people offend or hurt me.
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