Mercy

What is mercy?  Can we show, give or receive mercy?  Why is it important for me, as a Christian, to show mercy? 

  I looked up the definition of mercy on dictionary.com and I found two definitions that helped me understand what it means.  Mercy is being compassionate or kind to another person.  It even says compassionate or kind to an enemy.  Wow, a little bit of a moral there?  I just answered the first question and yes we can show, give and receive mercy.  So why is it important to show mercy?  Lets take a look.  In Zechariah 7:9 we read, "This is what the Lord Almighty says: Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another."  This alone should be enough to show it's importance, because God says we should show mercy.  When you live a life that shows you fear God and want to obey him you show mercy, often times without thinking about it. The importance of showing your mercy lies directly in your faith and walk with God.  I feel there are different levels of kindness.  Just smiling and waving at someone is showing mercy, you are being kind.  I think we should take our mercy to a different level though.  I'm pretty sure we aren't off the hook by smiling.  No, God calls us to show mercy to the poor.  "A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." Proverbs 22:9  Throughout Psalm and Proverbs you can find where it says if you show mercy to the poor you will be blessed.  I don't know about you but I would love to be blessed.  By showing mercy to those that are not as fortunate as you, you will be blessed.  The feeling of satisfaction is overwhelming when you give to someone who can not give back.  It is not easy to always show or give mercy.  As you go about your day ask God to give you His eyes, to remind you of the mercy He has shown you.  So you can see those people who need to be shown mercy (and not just a smile :) ) Ask him to give you the courage to act and not say to yourself someone else will do it.  Listen to God's nudge to show mercy, remember nothing is to big or small when you place it in God's hands. This world is hard enough to live in without people who show mercy.  Today let's live by this,          " Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12  Until next time may God Bless you and Keep you.