My Triumphant Savior, because of my disobedience it became necessary for You to sacrifice Yourself to redeem me from the curse of the law. Through the kindness and love of Your Father, which came down to me through You, I am saved, not by righteous things done by me, but because of divine mercy. The purpose of divine mercy is to show the world His patience and tender-heartedness so that it too can take advantage of His mercy. When I display kindness and mercy to others, it causes Him to favor me when I need mercy. Through the forgiveness You earned for me on Calvary, I’ve been freed from the power of sin, self-gratification and selfishness. I am free to walk uprightly and shine forth the light of Your goodness. If I come to You humbly, I’m assured You will hear my plea and through Your mercy take away my burdens. In granting mercy to others, I’m showing I understand and appreciate Your mercy.
In Your Word, You tell me “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” In contemplating Your words, I feel You are telling me that, if I come to You with a contrite and broken heart, You will teach me how to generously dispense Your mercy. Therefore, substantive things in my heart have far more meaning to You than any hollow, outward displays I could make. That’s why aligning my inner man with You through obedience to Your commands, acceptance of Your words and devotion to You allows me to show others Your love and mercy. It is through Your mercy that the sun rises and sets each day … my heart pumps blood throughout my body … and my weaknesses are overcome by Your strength. Since You are sovereign, fair and trustworthy, You have every right to have mercy on whom You will and show compassion to whom You wish. Therefore, the mercy I dispense is not a consequence of my desire or effort, but Yours.
Through Your mercy, I’ve been shown leniency that I do not deserve. In it, I’ve experienced Your charity which demonstrates the high level of patience and tolerance You have toward my misguided ways and thinking. Through Your obedience of Your Father, I have been pardoned from the punishment due from my sins. I am no longer a pawn of sin … nor does the grave steal my hope … neither am I denied a place at Your banqueting table. In divine mercy, I’m able to see first-hand Your compassionate treatment of someone like me who started life in a hole with a fallen nature. Imbedded in mercy is personal sacrifice. Your Son underwent it by dying for me and now I must swallow my pride, no longer wear my feelings on my sleeve and no longer feel I have a right to retribution. The result of Your tender mercy is that I’ve been freed to live my life to the fullest. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Matthew 5:7 Blest are the merciful for they shall be shown mercy.