Wondering this morning if anyone loves Mercy? I know that I work at it. Some days are easier than others, but do I just LOVE Mercy? We all love it when it is directed at us, but do we love it while giving it to others?
Micah 6:8 HE has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly, and to love Mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
While reading, I have realized that most feel that they are acting justly, and the will tell you so. Also they will tell you how very humble they are. LOL But I don’t read much about mercy being shown to another, unless the person writing is on the recieving end.
If I need to explain to you that I am acting justly, I probably am not. If I need to tell you that I am humble..I am sure I am not. Mercy, should be something that falls from our lips without much thought, and our actions should show mercy without someone screaming..I am showing mercy now!
Father God , we are a stiff necked, prideful people, with no remorse while confronting a Holy God. As I repent of falling short in this area, I pray that you will soften others hearts, and show them mercy, and through your kindness bring them to repentance. Teach us how to “act justly” , “love Mercy”, “walk humbly”. We don’t deserve you, yet you stand with outstretched arms calling us to return to your side, in full repentance, ready to forgive, ready to restore us. We can’t serve you as a body in unity without doing these things. I long for the unity. You are the potter and we are the clay..mold us…teach us, and lead us. Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. In Jesus name, Your princess, who really just wants to do this thing!
ponderings of a princess... 
This reminds me of that song that goes, “Oh, Lord, it’s hard to be humble, when you’re perfect in every way.” It always makes me giggle a little when someone brags about how humble they are. 🙂
Today is a good chance to actually walk the walk. To intentionally walk out humility and mercy in our country, and with our neighbors, and our families.
And… amen!
Heidi- you make me smile! I thought of that song too…and I do giggle when reading how humble people are…wondering if they know what it is?
What is mercy? Clemency, acceptance that a price has been paid for wrongdoing and ultimately forgiveness. Isn’t mercy at the core of Christianity? A person who repents of wrong is forgiven without qualifying that forgiveness with a caveat.
I’m not so forgiving. I believe that a person should pay for the wrongs they do in deed as well as word and that some things just cannot be forgiven. This means that my mercy does not apply to everyone and I don’t think that anyone’s does.
Perhaps you see that as proof that people need saving?
“If I need to explain to you that I am acting justly, I probably am not. If I need to tell you that I am humble..I am sure I am not. Mercy, should be something that falls from our lips without much thought, and our actions should show mercy without someone screaming..”
Amen Darla! Very well said and received.
Mercy is my middle name. (well actually it’s Michael but i’m pretty sure that’s greek for mercy)
I’ve received plenty and it is getting easier to give it.
I am thankful for God’s mercy – He loves us like the prodical son’s father – he meets us with open arms. He wants us to come into his arms – as sinners confessing our need for him. I love my heavenly father!
Hover- this is how I explain mercy to my son…when i catch him eating before dinner after I just told him not to…I would be justified in declining him dinner, and kicking his butt…instead I extend mercy and he will lose his game system for the evening…still a repercussion, but not nearly what he deserved.
Joe- thanks bro for the kind words..that verse sits on my heart lots..I have lots to do in that.
Scott- I don’t know if Michael translates to Mercy 😆 but Amen!
Papa- you do love Jesus, i know that with all my heart…and I know HE smiles on you in all HIS holiness. Love you and mama
Great post, Darla. Really challenging. “Love mercy.” To really LOVE it … you have to GIVE it, right? If the love occurs only when it’s received … is it really loving mercy? Or is it loving yourself, and grateful that you were shown mercy? Wow. That’s challenging.
Wonderful! Thanks for this!
And “Your princess, who really just wants to do this thing!”
How precious! 🙂
grace is getting what i dont deserve.
MERCY is NOT getting what i deserve.
HE is beyond merciful to me. to you. to everyone. and extremely patient, fo sho!
Great post, and some amazing comments, especially Tam’s definitions of grace and mercy. But my favourite bit (because I have a seven-year-old son), is Darla’s:
“this is how I explain mercy to my son…when i catch him eating before dinner after I just told him not to…I would be justified in declining him dinner, and kicking his butt…instead I extend mercy and he will lose his game system for the evening…still a repercussion, but not nearly what he deserved”
BRILLIANT!!
How true. Had someone say just last week that I should trust them because they are a trust worthy person. If you are a trust worthy person you will not have to say so right???
It is interesting how the Bible shows us that people will know us by the mercy we extend to others. Mercy without reason. I guess that is just because once a person has received mercy they are more likely to extend it. Thanks for the post.
I wish I could speak to this fully, but I can say…
We (my family) received mercy from God and my son did not have to go to prison. His punishment is still severe, but not what it could have been.
I love mercy. When you’ve been granted it, when you KNOW what you’ve gained, you want to give it to others as well.
Hey…haven’t talked to you in a while….hope everything is okay between us.
I am so grateful for God’s mercy. Having been saved for just a few years and lived a good 24 years in oppression and fear, I still have a hard time receiving it from time to time but I am thankful nevertheless that He chooses to show me grace and mercy especially given that 9 times out of ten I don’t deserve it.
I love you.
Wow. You posed a tough question. To be honest, I never even thought about whether I love mercy or not. I will have to examine my heart on this one. I certainly LOVE to receive it…as you pointed out….we all do. I need to ask God to show me whether I am showing it, though!
Thanks for the challenge…as always!
Love you, sister