Mercy isn't natural

If you are leaning on your own strength to be able to show mercy to people, you’re going to fail. You have to lean on Jesus for it.

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10)

So if Mercy is something we’re supposed to have in our lives, what do we do? If we are supposed to live like Jesus, to become like Jesus, what does that look like?

That’s a loaded question, y’all. And it’s really hard to answer in a single devotional, which is why I’ll be touching on this in more practical ways in a few weeks. But for now, let me share how I’ve learned to show mercy like Jesus does.

Look, living a merciful life is exhausting. Anyone who knows the truth won’t tell you different. Being kind to people who don’t deserve it wears on you after a while.

What feels natural to us is to lash out, to strike back, to take revenge. Maybe it’s with words. Maybe it’s with your fists. Maybe it’s with rolls and rolls and rolls of toilet paper dumped on their front porch after they decorated the trees in your yard with it … Never mind. That’s another story. ;-)

If you are leaning on your own strength to be able to show mercy to people, you’re going to fail. You have to lean on Jesus for it. You have to decide that you’re going to be kind to people for no other reason than it’s what Jesus would do.

It can’t be an emotional decision. If it’s an emotional decision, you’ll respond with anger when someone hurts you. And that’s not mercy.

Mercy isn’t natural, guys. It’s supernatural.

So look to God for the strength you need. But don’t just ask Him for help; DO something. Look for opportunities to help others. Look for the chance to do good to people. Now, I’m not saying to enable people to mistreat you. I’m also not saying to give people things that they can use to hurt themselves.

But be aware. Think about what you can do for others, and when God gives you the opportunity to serve, do it.

Questions for Reflection

• How is one way you could be kind to someone without compromising your personal safety?

• What is something you can do in your life to increase your awareness of people around you?

• How can you intentionally lean on Jesus for strength to be merciful?

Weekly Memory Verse