We have now entered the season of Lent.  For many Christians, Lent is taken as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter where God miraculously redeemed mankind by resurrecting His Son from the dead. It is also a time to consider what Jesus said and did; and how we should be living in light of His Words.  ✞ ♥

During this season, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have chosen to focus our devotionals on Jesus’ instructions and admonition communicated in Matthew chapter 5—the Beatitudes.  Jesus said, “Blessed are…” and He went on to give instruction as to how to be “blessed.”  To be ‘blessed’ is to ‘be happy, or to be envied.’   Truly for the Christian, we ARE blessed—oh, how very blessed we are!  Those who observe our lives should clearly be able to tell that we ARE blessed—and that we KNOW it! ✞ ♥

Please consider Jesus’ instructions along with us.  We pray that our words will encourage you and spur you on to be prepare your hearts for the joyous celebration of His Resurrection!  ✞ ♥

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

The word mercy for me conjures up memories of scenes from movies portraying Christ.  Dictionary.com gave this meaning: “compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one’s power; compassion, pity, or benevolence: Have mercy on the poor sinner”. How many times have we been shown mercy in our DAILY walk?  I shudder to think of how I may unknowingly have offended my heavenly Father.

Then I began to think, “How do I show mercy to others?”  Do I become short when I am pressed for time and someone asks me questions?  Yes, unfortunately I feel like I do sometimes.  My boss is an excellent example of showing mercy and being fair.  No matter how busy she is, she takes the time to speak with that person and make them feel valued.

Christ is a perfect example of mercy.  When the woman who was caught in adultery was brought before Jesus for Him to condemn and punish her, He showed her mercy.  He was gentle in His reproach to the men of the synagogue, to the point that they slowly turned away, one by one (see John 8:1-11).  He did not need to be told her background…He already knew her story.  But He also knew the hearts of the men who had brought her to Him.  Jesus loves us unconditionally, and He wants to know us.  His Father will discipline us when necessary, but Jesus will always intercede on our behalf.

My mom told me one day she was mad at me because of a dream she had.  It was this:  Someone had broken into our store.  She had hit the man over the head with a cast iron skillet and knocked him unconscious.  She told me to watch over the man and make sure he didn’t leave while she went to get help.  When she came back she was shocked to see that I was dressing the man’s head wounds! She laughed and I said, ‘Well that sounds like me doesn’t it?’  She just shook her head.

I want to continue to be that person and show compassion and mercy toward others.  When we pray and listen to the Holy Spirit, He will direct our paths and help guide us in our choices.  This will go so far in our own relationships with family and friends.  Remember there are those who watch and learn from your actions and reactions.  Just remember you can start a new way of thinking today. No matter how old you are, with the Holy Spirit, you can begin practicing mercy and compassion toward others.  Once you begin to extend it in all situations, you will feel a new lease on life…a refreshing of your spirit.

*  ~  ♥  ~   ✞   ~  ♥  ~  *

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your gift of mercy.  Show us, Lord, how we can use this gift in our everyday lives.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!