Move in Mercy

Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you? Matthew 18:33 (BSB)

Mercy. I know you have heard of that word before and maybe have used it many times. When I read this verse this morning, I asked myself a question that I will rhetorically ask you: “Are you moving in mercy?” You might be asking yourself, what does that really mean, as I did as well. If I am being transparent, I know that there are times when the need to move in mercy should occur more frequently if I allowed the Holy Spirit to operate effectively.

But what is mercy really? I am glad you asked. A befitting definition that I recently read in the book Life in Tension by Dr. Stephen W. Hiemstra, describes that mercy has the “same root as compassion and is closely related to forgive”. And being merciful means “being concerned about people in their need”. Jesus is an example of demonstrating mercy at the highest level by dying for our sins. If we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus on the earth today, what does that tell us about how we should model after Him?

Jesus came for us, sinners. He came for those who hated Him, who did not and do not believe in Him and those who would and will deny Him. In reading over this verse, which is based on a parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18: 21-35), I felt the stir to examine my own heart and actions regarding mercy. I pray that we not only have the word mercy as part of our repertoire, but that our ability to move in mercy becomes a core component of who we are.

Stay Encouraged.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment