The Blessing of Mercy
by Lynda Scott
8 December 2011
Next Day »In my last Seeds of the Kingdom on 8 November I told the story of my journey to forgiveness towards a man, David, who had caused me to be in a devastating accident where I had fallen 35 feet off a cliff. In meeting him again earlier this year I was able to completely release him into the freedom of my forgiveness. Forgiveness is one of the primary foundations of healing in that if we will commit ourselves to forgive, God will enable us by His grace to do.
If we want to walk into a deeper level of healing after deep hurt or abuse, the next step after forgiveness is to show mercy. Mercy is completely foreign to most people in our world. However Jesus is the perfect example of mercy. As the sinless Son of God, He died on the cross 2000 years ago to repay the debt we owed because of our sin. We can forgive in the quietness of our own heart. But if we choose to show mercy it involves an action. I was faced with this challenge after Jesus healed me of all the consequences of the accident. I had a Public Liability court case coming up against David and the other leader of the hike. I wanted to do the right thing by the Lord, so I saw my solicitor to find out what would be involved if I were to withdraw the court case. I soon received an account in the post – it was going to cost me so much more money than I couldn’t possibly afford to withdraw the case, and I had not done anything wrong! As I was complaining to God about it in the shower one day, the Holy Spirit spoke something so profound to me: “Mercy never comes cheap – it cost Jesus His life!” From that moment I never complained again and I worked for 18 months to pay off the debt. I knew I was doing what pleased the Lord, showing mercy just as He had shown mercy to me. I found my peace and joy multiplied beyond measure and my physical healing was secured.
Maybe you have someone in mind that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you about today that you know you could show mercy to. Remember it involves you taking action to bless the person in a way that the Holy Spirit will show you. They do not deserve your mercy and you will pay the price. They may never even say thank you. But if the Lord has put it on your heart, make your choice and never turn back. You will be walking in the footsteps of Jesus and your reward will be with Him.
Prayer: Jesus thank You so much that You showed mercy to me when I did not deserve it. You died on the cross for me. I want to be like You Jesus and be merciful. Help me to show Your mercy in Your way and in Your time. As I show mercy, may it bring glory to You. Amen.
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