Merciful

www.bible.com/1713/mat.5.7.csb

Have you ever had the chance to show mercy? Being merciful usually implies you are in a position to offer mercy, a position most of us might feel doesn’t apply to us. When are we ever in a position to be merciful? Well, it might happen more often than you think.

Have you ever had your sense of right violated, like someone cuts in front of you at the restaurant, or the check-out line at the grocery store? Or maybe someone’s else’s kids got the playground equipment you’ve been telling your kids to wait their turn for? Basically any time your sense of righteousness has been violated, you are in a position to show mercy. And this is an odd feeling. You want to strike out in some way, like pointing out that your rightful turn was overlooked. You may want to yell or say loudly, “Hey!” Those are opportunities for mercy and graciousness.

Mercy is not demanding your rights when you have the opportunity. Mercy is giving way when you have the right to your own way. Mercy is something that as Christians we have every opportunity to practice, but it takes maturity to be able to do it well. What will you do when the opportunity presents itself? Get mad? Get even? Or give way in grace?

Lord, help still my temper when my rights are violated. Remind me that justice and vengeance are yours, not mine. And Lord help me remember this lesson before I make a mistake.

In Your Name, Amen.