Be Merciful
03/15/2025
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
- Luke 6:36 NIV
Mercy is one of the most beautiful and transformative attributes of God. Throughout Scripture, we see His mercy extended to those who least deserve it, wayward Israel, broken sinners, and even those who rejected Him. Yet, in Luke 6:36, Jesus issues a radical call to His followers: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
This command challenges us deeply. Mercy is not just an abstract concept; it is an active expression of God’s love through us. It means choosing compassion over judgment, forgiveness over resentment, and kindness over indifference. Mercy is costly because it requires us to let go of our right to retaliate, to bless those who hurt us, and to love those who may never love us back.
Jesus lived this out perfectly. When He was ridiculed, He did not respond with anger. When He was betrayed, He did not seek revenge. On the cross, as nails pierced His hands and feet, He uttered words that shake the very foundations of human nature: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” That is divine mercy. That is the mercy we are called to imitate.
Here are a few ways you can start right now to learn how to extend the mercy of Christ to others.
Examine Your Heart
Are there people in your life whom you struggle to forgive? Ask God to soften your heart and give you the strength to extend mercy.
Show Compassion Daily
Mercy is not only about forgiving the big offenses but also about choosing grace in the small moments—offering patience to a frustrating coworker, kindness to a rude stranger, or understanding to a difficult family member.
Remember God’s Mercy Toward You
When we fully grasp how much mercy God has shown us, it becomes easier to extend that same mercy to others. Reflect on how He has forgiven you, and let that fuel your own acts of mercy.
Living a life of mercy is not always easy, but it is always worth it. When we extend mercy, we reflect the very heart of God. Who in your life needs to experience His mercy through you today?
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your endless mercy. I do not deserve Your love, yet You freely give it. Help me to reflect that same mercy in my interactions with others. When I am tempted to hold grudges, remind me of how You have forgiven me. When I feel anger rising, replace it with compassion. Make me a vessel of Your mercy, that others may see You through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Thought:
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
- Luke 6:36 NIV
Mercy is one of the most beautiful and transformative attributes of God. Throughout Scripture, we see His mercy extended to those who least deserve it, wayward Israel, broken sinners, and even those who rejected Him. Yet, in Luke 6:36, Jesus issues a radical call to His followers: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
This command challenges us deeply. Mercy is not just an abstract concept; it is an active expression of God’s love through us. It means choosing compassion over judgment, forgiveness over resentment, and kindness over indifference. Mercy is costly because it requires us to let go of our right to retaliate, to bless those who hurt us, and to love those who may never love us back.
Jesus lived this out perfectly. When He was ridiculed, He did not respond with anger. When He was betrayed, He did not seek revenge. On the cross, as nails pierced His hands and feet, He uttered words that shake the very foundations of human nature: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” That is divine mercy. That is the mercy we are called to imitate.
Here are a few ways you can start right now to learn how to extend the mercy of Christ to others.
Examine Your Heart
Are there people in your life whom you struggle to forgive? Ask God to soften your heart and give you the strength to extend mercy.
Show Compassion Daily
Mercy is not only about forgiving the big offenses but also about choosing grace in the small moments—offering patience to a frustrating coworker, kindness to a rude stranger, or understanding to a difficult family member.
Remember God’s Mercy Toward You
When we fully grasp how much mercy God has shown us, it becomes easier to extend that same mercy to others. Reflect on how He has forgiven you, and let that fuel your own acts of mercy.
Living a life of mercy is not always easy, but it is always worth it. When we extend mercy, we reflect the very heart of God. Who in your life needs to experience His mercy through you today?
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your endless mercy. I do not deserve Your love, yet You freely give it. Help me to reflect that same mercy in my interactions with others. When I am tempted to hold grudges, remind me of how You have forgiven me. When I feel anger rising, replace it with compassion. Make me a vessel of Your mercy, that others may see You through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Thought:
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Embracing the New ThingBe TransformedPleasing God, Not PeopleThe Power of Repentance and BaptismThe Power of Forgiveness and LoveLiving in the LightSharing the Good NewsRecognizing and Worshiping the Son of ManStand Firm, Unmovable, AboundingThe Power of TogethernessResting in God’s RhythmThe Greatness of GodHeld by His HandLoving Beyond LimitsSowing RighteousnessThe Danger of Self-RelianceHeld by His HandProclaiming His Glory to AllHonoring One Another In LoveHidden TreasureTrusting God’s PlansThe Treasure of the KingdomStay Alert and Be PreparedGuarding Against GreedA House DividedYou Are the Light of the WorldEars to HearAll For The OneThe Beginning of WisdomUnashamed of the Gospel
February
Drawing Near with ConfidenceDaily Bread and Daily TrustEvery Good and Perfect GiftA Call to BlessingWalking by the SpiritStrength in the Lord’s RewardThe Power of Your WordsLiving in the Grace of GodOvercoming Evil with GoodPerfect Peace in an Imperfect WorldFrom Death to LifeOvercoming Evil with GoodResting in God’s WorkA Friend Who Loves at All TimesThe Lord Delights Over YouGo Into All the WorldImitating What Is GoodStrength in WeaknessBe Still and KnowTake Heart in Troubled TimesGuarded by God’s PeacePursuing PeacePeace That Cannot Be ShakenLiving Out the Law of LoveBlessing the Poor, Honoring the LordSinging of God’s Strength and LoveWorthy, Worthy, WorthyA Vision of Heaven’s Multitude
March
Go and Make DisciplesBe Strong and CourageousChoosing the Path of LifeUnchanging in a Changing WorldRedeemed by GraceWalking in Step with the SpiritPutting Faith into PracticeGo and Tell the Good NewsDwelling in the Shelter of the Most HighBehold, the Lamb of GodTo Live is Christ, To Die is GainSwallowed by GraceFor Such a Time as ThisSeeking Wisdom from GodBe MercifulA Heart That Seeks GodExtending Mercy to the DoubtfulThe Word Was GodThe Knock at Your Heart’s DoorThe Sacrifice That Pleases GodSharpening Souls TogetherMade for RestA Way OutApproved and UnashamedAll InClothed with CompassionLove That CoversRoots That Never Run DryRemain in MeThe Great ExchangeGod at Work Within You
No Comments