The Gift Of Mercy

   Mercy is a holy quality. It is not given at conception, like a personality. People are given altruism, but it doesn't normally extend past what is comfortable for themselves.

   Mercy goes far beyond patience. It is purity of motivation, charity, compassion, tolerance, endurance, benevolence, clemency, forgiveness, and patience rolled into one. Perhaps the highest of holy gifts to be given by God to us, to give to others. It is the extending of a human spirit away from itself, toward another.

   God's grace is required, to produce mercy in a human being. True mercy is that which is given at the most difficult times, to the most difficult of people.

   It is our human nature to bristle and rebel when ill treated. Yet if I do not forgive, and show mercy to others, that means I harbor grudges in my heart. Harboring grudges hinders my spirit in its work for the Lord, like an engine without enough oil. Nurturing anger is wrong in God's eyes.

   Without God's mercy, where would we be? Oh, what a terrifying thought. Yet, the Bible assures us that His mercy never ends.

    * For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting... Psa 100:5a

   The Bible tells us some things over and over again. When I see God's emphasis on a concept, I know it is undoubtedly there to make me pay attention.

    * O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psa 136:1

   Some kinds of mercy are easy for me. It is easy to assist those who need help, for instance.

   I have had the most trouble showing mercy, when I've been scorned, bossed, ridiculed, or betrayed. In my life, I've sometimes been treated hatefully, and rudely.

   When I read that His mercy endures forever, is that there simply to remind me of my own blessing? Absolutely not. I am to remember to give mercy to others, like God does for me. Jesus said we are to show mercy to others. It is not a suggestion; it is a command.

    * And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. Luke 10:37

   Being treated poorly stirs up immediate anger in me, even though I have been guilty of disagreeable behavior myself. It has taken me most of my life to learn to keep my mouth shut when angry. Part of the process of mercy is to refrain from telling about it to others. When I used to complain to others, they tended to stick up for me. I know that is why I used to tell. However, doesn't that take away from the holiness of the act? If I take my feelings to God for help, and it stays there, that is true mercy. It is He who bestows mercy to me, to give to others, when it is very hard.

   We as human beings are a stubborn and proud people. If we were perfect, God would not need to have mercy upon us. If He can be merciful to the most wicked of mankind, we certainly can be merciful, with His help, to those who misuse us. Anyone can show mercy in simple ways, like helping the needy. But it is a love gift from us, to our Heavenly Father, to show mercy to difficult people. We are being a witness for Him, to others, in this way.

   I can be certain that God will help me learn any spiritual gift that He wants me to have. All I have to do is pray, and ask Him to help this part of me grow and develop, year after year. Mercy is like a mint plant. It doesn't grow all at once. But once it gets started, it spreads easily, over larger and larger areas. When crushed, the mint gives out the sweetest scent of all. Mercy is the sweetest, when given from an injured spirit.

   Mercy is not only needed, for times of severe emotional injury. It is also for irritations with a spouse, disappointment with a friend, and other annoyances. It is a way of being. Do I want to be a merciful wife, a merciful friend? We all have a choice. We can be patient and kind, regardless, keeping in mind the way that Christ is merciful with us; or we can nurture our own irritations and frustrations, and grow bitter within.

   It is my goal for Christ, to treat others like I would like to be treated; and over the years, to develop more and more mercy, with God's help.

    * For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Psa 86:5

2006 Rosemary Gwaltney