Who Needs God's Divine Mercy?Can't you just see God doling out divine mercy up in heaven? Can you imagine what a full-time job it must be? God's divine mercy and forgiveness are certainly not things we deserve but God gives them to us anyway. The only catch is that even we receive, we need to dole it out the same way. It seems like a fair trade, but then, why is it so hard to do? Life is so messy sometimes. I know mine is. Not everyone thinks about being a blessing or helping someone else. In fact, sometimes it's really tough when you're trying to be a Christian and everyone else wants to take advantage of you BECAUSE you're going out of your way to do the right thing. Have you ever had someone take the parking spot you were waiting for? What did you do about it? Have you ever been through a checkout line that is horribly slow and you're next in line, but then they open a new line and people behind you rush over ahead of you? How did you react? It's days like that when it's pretty hard to feel merciful...especially when you feel like smacking all those people that have been rude and downright obnoxious to you. The Bible says God's mercy is new every day. That's a very good thing, because some days I'm very sure I used up my full quota! Here are some scriptures from the Amplified Bible that discuss divine mercy: Lam 3:22-23 It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving kindness that we are not consumed, because His (tender) compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness. Matthew 5:7 Blessed (happy, to be envied and spiritually prosperous-with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions, are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Luke 6:35-36 But love your enemies and be kind and do good (doing favors so that someone derives benefit from them) and lend, expecting and hoping for nothing in return but considering nothing as lost and despairing of no one; and then your recompense (your reward) will be great (rich, strong, intense, and abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind and charitable, and good to the ungrateful and the selfish and wicked. So be merciful (sympathetic, tender, responsive, and compassionate) even as your Father is all these. And here is a "Print & Pray" prayer you can use to help you in this area: Heavenly Father, Thank You for letting us come to You with our needs. You are an awesome and mighty God that is worthy of every bit of our praise and thanks. We know nothing is too hard for You and we are very grateful that You're willing to hear our requests. Father, I want to get better at showing mercy to others. Right now it isn't easy for me, God. But I know I can get better if You help me with Your grace. Help me to make right choices in how I respond to situations I don't like. Help me to remember how You would react. Show me how I can be a blessing to those around me, even if it isn't easy. I thank You, Father, for Your help. I ask all things in Jesus' name. AMEN!
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