EVERYBODY NEEDS A LITTLE MERCY SOMETIMES. THANK "YOU!" EVERY DAY!!

    

MERCY, MERCY FOR ME

“…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

  In the last chapter we learned about God’s AMAZING GRACE, but the other side of the same coin is MERCY. “…the wages of sin is DEATH…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “… by GRACE are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God[‘s merciful Love]...” (EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV). “…My GRACE is sufficient for you….” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

Grace erases the DEBT and Mercy withholds punishment. In the story of the Ungrateful Servant, God’s grace gave him undeserved favor by erasing his entire debt. God’s mercy withheld the punishment of selling off his wife, children, and property. God’s act of GRACE influenced his act of MERCY.

How does God’s act of Grace influence his act of Mercy? Read the parable again and then answer the question.

 “…The Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.

“But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.

“But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.

 “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full. “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened.

Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart…” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

Since MERCY is not a ready human response to wrongs and offenses, people usually devise some kind of punishment in retaliation. In the story of the ungrateful service, after all his own debt was forgiven and he was shown GREAT MERCY; it neither humbled him nor rendered him grateful. This is demonstrated by the way he responds to his fellow servant: “...his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. “BUT when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.  “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full…” (Matthew 18:23-35 NLT).

God is merciful to the worst offenders, the worst sinners, the worst rebels, and those with the worst debts of SIN. Even though he knows they are guilty of offending and sinning against him. He knows they actually deserve punishment, but his “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “… [God]…WILL HEAL their apostasy, [and]…love them freely…” (Hosea 14:4 KJV). “…Where sin increased, [His]…grace abounded all the more…” (Romans 5:20 NASB). God’s “…grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB).  His “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV).

^“Herein is [merciful]…love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God[‘s merciful Love]...” (EPHESIANS 2:8-9 KJV).

All of us owe the WORST debt of sin. Yet God redeemed you back into a right relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. . “…Christ …. died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, SO THAT HE MIGHT BRING US [BACK]…TO GOD…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

You are the WORST sinner and there is no one to compare yourself with. Sin is an equal opportunity condition and every person ALIVE is indebted to God to the exact same degree of SIN.  “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).

You owe no allegiance to anyone but God. You have sinned against God and it is God you will answer to for those SINS. King David said to God, “…Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just…” (Psalms 51:4 NLT).

 “…against thee, thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight, that thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest…” (Psalms 51:4 KJV).

You deserve DEATH, not Mercy.

“…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…He that believeth on him is not condemned: but HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, because HE HATH NOT BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And THIS IS THE CONDEMNATION, that light is come into the world, and MEN LOVED DARKNESS RATHER THAN LIGHT, because THEIR DEEDS WERE EVIL. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved…” (John 3:18-20 KJV). “….IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE, YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS…” (John 8:24 KJV).

Yet, God, being “... rich in mercy… [because of]... his great love……even when [you] were dead in sins, had quickened [you] together with Christ (by grace are ye saved)…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son...the just for the unjust...that whosoever believeth in him should not perish (be punished)…” (John 3:16 KJV & 1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

You DON’T and you NEVER will, without Jesus Christ, meet God’s standard of righteousness, goodness, or holiness. God’s solution is both a response of GRACE and MERCY. The free GIFT of salvation in Jesus Christ makes you brand new. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

You didn’t deserve salvation, you didn’t earn it, and you weren’t worthy of it. Yet “…Christ died for [your] sins according to the scriptures;  And …he was buried, and … rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). God, being “... RICH IN MERCY… [because of]... his great love…had quickened [you] together with Christ (by grace are ye saved)…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV).

God’s mercy is generously offered to you. He has shown you what is good through his acts of grace and mercy and now requires you to do the same. “…O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, TO LOVE MERCY, and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8 NLT).

“…He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and TO LOVE MERCY, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV).

“…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). ^“…it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

When you truly experience God’s great MERCY, you are humbled and grateful. It is much easier to show MERCY to others when you have been shown such GREAT MERCY yourself. “…Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. KIND MERCY wins over harsh judgment every time...” (JAMES 12:12-133 MSG). “…MERCY triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

It doesn’t matter what someone has done to you, or how long they did it, or how horrible it was, or how deserving they may be of punishment; it is NOT for you to avenge. It is NOT easy, but respond with MERCY.  “…DO NOT repay evil with evil or insult with insult…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV). “Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord…” (Romans 12:19 ASV).

God delights in MERCY, not human vengeance (Micah 7:18). “..O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1 Chronicles…” 16:34 KJV). “It came …to pass, as … [they] praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever…” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV). “…The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy…” (Psalms 103:8 KJV). “…For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him…” (Psalms 103:11 KJV). “…But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children…” (Psalms 103:17 KJV).

When you truly know how MERCIFUL God has been to you; you want to treat others the same. Treating a person with MERCY who you feel doesn’t deserve it helps you to clearly see the GREAT MERCY God has extended to you. Mercy is a requirement and it gives God delight. “…He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love MERCY, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV).  “…HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

Extending others MERCY is NOT about their reaction or response, but about pleasing God, who “…delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). And it “…prove(s) [to you]…what [is in your own]…heart, whether [you]…wouldest keep his commandments, or no...” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV). “….the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7 ASV). “[God] knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold…” (Job 23:10 KJV).

When you extend mercy to those, you think, don’ deserve it; it pleases God who “…delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).  It will cost you your pride and your flesh will fight your attempt to show mercy to the undeserving.

Yet, WHATEVER and EVERYTHING you give up or gave up - God will give it back to you 100 times. “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). And Jesus said to him, “…I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for MY SAKE and for the GOOD NEWS, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

I guarantee walking in MERCY will NOT be easy, but you don’t have to like it or understand it, but simply honor the fact that your heavenly Father “… delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).  It gives God pleasure to show compassion to human beings, no matter how undeserving.

Showing mercy to the underserving may be one of the hardest parts of the Christian journey. I know, first hand, you CANNOT do it without the indwelling Christ. “….apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). Yet, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…For it is God who works in [me]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

God “… delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). He wants to give you a change to get it right with him and he doesn’t want you to perish. “…Don't you see how wonderfully kind …God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (Romans 2:4 NLT). “…The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for YOUR SAKE. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent…” (2 Peter 3: 9 NLT). “…The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth…” (Exodus 34:6 KJV). “…But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness…” (Psalm 86:16 NIV).

God’s Merciful kindness is not giving you permission to continue to do SIN, but an opportunity to get it RIGHT with HIM and turn your heart toward Him. “…Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily (God’s GRACE) …the HEART of the sons of men is fully set in them [unrepentant]… to do evil….” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV).

God KNOWS his GREAT MERCY will bring you all the gifts of his love. “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). ”… ye [are]…saved through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man hath his proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “…his divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

God’s Mercy is an important part of his heart of love and he “… delighteth in mercy…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). God’s mercy is there for you FOREVER!! “…O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1 Chronicles16:34 KJV). “…The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. THEY ARE NEW EVERY MORNING….” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

BECAUSE OF GOD’S AMAZING GRACE and MERCY, “…I am what I am…” AND I AM NOT PUNISHED!!!!! (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).