Selective mercy

God expects from us a merciful heart, just like His. And in several biblical passages, He teaches us about mercy, love, and compassion…

But have you truly been merciful?

Weaknesses

“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Philippians 2:4

One of the things I ask God for the most, and where He has worked the most in me, is patience. It’s understanding other people’s timing and difficulties, as this sometimes prevents me from being merciful.

Our tendency is not to show mercy toward what is not our weakness, but to desire mercy in our moments of weakness. What hurts us deserves all the grace and gentleness in the world, but have we shown gentleness and grace toward what doesn’t cause us pain but affects others?

The Bible calls us beyond ourselves. And I write this text in complete vulnerability about one of my own struggles as well.

Unit

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Luke 6:36-38

It is common for human beings to focus so much on their own difficulties and desires that they exclude and disregard the difficulties and desires of others.

When we are quicker, it becomes difficult to wait for those moving more slowly. But everyone has their own timing, and God wants us to walk together, teaching and loving each other.

I’m not saying to base your life and decisions on other people; the guidance for this comes from God. But I’m talking about a sense of unity.

Showing gentleness and love by saying, “It may not hurt me, but I respect and understand that it hurts you. And I’m here as a brother to go through this together.” This is what being a family and a Kingdom is all about. This is being more like Jesus Christ.

Grace and meekness

“We love because he first loved us.”

1 John 4:19

You have God’s mercy in your life, and this should not relax you, but rather motivate you to also be merciful. It is important to understand that the people around you may face difficulties in paths that are easy for you, and it is up to you to be loving like the Father, teaching, and helping.

Just as there will be times when you encounter barriers in simple situations for other people, your heart must be open to receive mercy, help, and guidance from God and the people who love you.

We all need a shoulder to lean on at times, but we must also be available to be that shoulder at other times, ready to console, love, and encourage.

We do not have all the strength and knowledge. There will be times when we teach and times when we will be taught. Moments when we will help someone to get up, and others when we will be rescued. But in all situations, we will always be children loved and cared for by God.

Have you demonstrated to others the grace that God showers on you?