DAY 15: LORD, HELP ME TO BE MERCIFUL – PASTOR HEIDEN RATNER
PASTOR HEIDEN RATNER
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SCRIPTURE
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” – Matthew 5:7 ESV
DEVOTION
When you think about the attributes of God, what are some words that come to mind? Consider writing them down. Meditating on God’s attributes can lead to a renewal of worship while deepening your confidence in His character and ability. Revivalist A.W. Tozer once wrote, “If we take away any of the attributes of God, we do not weaken God but we weaken our concept of God.” It’s in thinking deeply about who God is that we remind our hearts of His goodness.
One of my favorite attributes of God is that He is a merciful God. Mercy is God choosing not to give us what we deserve. What a gift from above! Find joy not just in God’s giving but also in His withholding. This morning, God chose to give you fresh, Heaven-sent, dipped in grace, mercy. How, might you ask? By not counting your sins against you through your faith in Christ.
We arrive at Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:7, as He reminds His audience that showing mercy is not a sign of weakness but a mark of blessing. Mercy is like a boomerang, Jesus adds. When you give mercy, you get mercy. Prayerfully ask the Lord where you need to show mercy in your life today. Are there some offenses you can let go of and show someone mercy how it has been shown to you? Doing so may bless your life more than you may know!
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22–23 ESV
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for extending Your mercy to me. Day by day I wake up experience your mercies and grace again. I don’t deserve it, but still You give it and I’m humbled by that. I pray I would never grow cold or callous to the familiarity of Your mercy.
Father, help me not to just receive Your mercy, but to show it, as well. I want to be a mercy dispenser. Help me let things go that I don’t need to hold onto any more, and please give me the ability to love people with Your unfailing love. If it’s a forgiveness issue, help to me forgive as You have forgiven me. And by doing so, may people experience Your mercy through me and give the You glory. Thank You for Your mercy, Lord. In Jesus and amen!
